#callmeifyouneedme — Public Fediverse posts

Reviewing my LinkedIn profile just now, I see that I’ve dropped any mention of expert witness services. My rationale was that it’s never been a major source of income for me, so why waste space in my profile? Still, I love doing it, and I’m involved in a telecommunications case right now. Since it’s still open, I can’t use it to tell any stories here. Maybe someday.

There are three main ways I can help in your legal disputes involving technology:

1) Behind the scenes, advising your attorney on the technology so they know what to focus on.

2) Depositions (oral and written).

3) Witness during the trial.

One thing to be clear about: I protect my reputation, not your client. It’s important that we review the material together before the engagement truly begins, in order to make sure I’m the right expert for the job. I’m thinking now of one disgruntled attorney when I told him, “Actually, I’d be a better witness for the plaintiff than for your client.”

If you need an expert witness who has been a CISO for a national retailer, Director of National System Development for a cellular carrier, and taught college courses in technology for 17 years, I’m here for you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#Cybersecurity – #Networks – #Wireless – #Telecom – #VoIP

Reviewing my LinkedIn profile just now, I see that I’ve dropped any mention of expert witness services. My rationale was that it’s never been a major source of income for me, so why waste space in my profile? Still, I love doing it, and I’m involved in a telecommunications case right now. Since it’s still open, I can’t use it to tell any stories here. Maybe someday.

There are three main ways I can help in your legal disputes involving technology:

1) Behind the scenes, advising your attorney on the technology so they know what to focus on.

2) Depositions (oral and written).

3) Witness during the trial.

One thing to be clear about: I protect my reputation, not your client. It’s important that we review the material together before the engagement truly begins, in order to make sure I’m the right expert for the job. I’m thinking now of one disgruntled attorney when I told him, “Actually, I’d be a better witness for the plaintiff than for your client.”

If you need an expert witness who has been a CISO for a national retailer, Director of National System Development for a cellular carrier, and taught college courses in technology for 17 years, I’m here for you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#Cybersecurity – #Networks – #Wireless – #Telecom – #VoIP

Reviewing my LinkedIn profile just now, I see that I’ve dropped any mention of expert witness services. My rationale was that it’s never been a major source of income for me, so why waste space in my profile? Still, I love doing it, and I’m involved in a telecommunications case right now. Since it’s still open, I can’t use it to tell any stories here. Maybe someday.

There are three main ways I can help in your legal disputes involving technology:

1) Behind the scenes, advising your attorney on the technology so they know what to focus on.

2) Depositions (oral and written).

3) Witness during the trial.

One thing to be clear about: I protect my reputation, not your client. It’s important that we review the material together before the engagement truly begins, in order to make sure I’m the right expert for the job. I’m thinking now of one disgruntled attorney when I told him, “Actually, I’d be a better witness for the plaintiff than for your client.”

If you need an expert witness who has been a CISO for a national retailer, Director of National System Development for a cellular carrier, and taught college courses in technology for 17 years, I’m here for you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#Cybersecurity – #Networks – #Wireless – #Telecom – #VoIP

Reviewing my LinkedIn profile just now, I see that I’ve dropped any mention of expert witness services. My rationale was that it’s never been a major source of income for me, so why waste space in my profile? Still, I love doing it, and I’m involved in a telecommunications case right now. Since it’s still open, I can’t use it to tell any stories here. Maybe someday.

There are three main ways I can help in your legal disputes involving technology:

1) Behind the scenes, advising your attorney on the technology so they know what to focus on.

2) Depositions (oral and written).

3) Witness during the trial.

One thing to be clear about: I protect my reputation, not your client. It’s important that we review the material together before the engagement truly begins, in order to make sure I’m the right expert for the job. I’m thinking now of one disgruntled attorney when I told him, “Actually, I’d be a better witness for the plaintiff than for your client.”

If you need an expert witness who has been a CISO for a national retailer, Director of National System Development for a cellular carrier, and taught college courses in technology for 17 years, I’m here for you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#Cybersecurity – #Networks – #Wireless – #Telecom – #VoIP

Reviewing my LinkedIn profile just now, I see that I’ve dropped any mention of expert witness services. My rationale was that it’s never been a major source of income for me, so why waste space in my profile? Still, I love doing it, and I’m involved in a telecommunications case right now. Since it’s still open, I can’t use it to tell any stories here. Maybe someday.

There are three main ways I can help in your legal disputes involving technology:

1) Behind the scenes, advising your attorney on the technology so they know what to focus on.

2) Depositions (oral and written).

3) Witness during the trial.

One thing to be clear about: I protect my reputation, not your client. It’s important that we review the material together before the engagement truly begins, in order to make sure I’m the right expert for the job. I’m thinking now of one disgruntled attorney when I told him, “Actually, I’d be a better witness for the plaintiff than for your client.”

If you need an expert witness who has been a CISO for a national retailer, Director of National System Development for a cellular carrier, and taught college courses in technology for 17 years, I’m here for you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#Cybersecurity – #Networks – #Wireless – #Telecom – #VoIP

At 1:00pm PDT today, I’m doing a presentation on Internet Safety at a local senior living center.

The Active Living Program Director invited me to speak. When I said yes, he asked if I had a publicity flyer. I said no, but I can make one. He said, “I’ll make it. I make these all the time.”

And wow, I am so glad I let him make the flyer, because it’s way better than anything I would have done.

In preparing for the presentation, I learned that the residents use far more phones and iPads than laptops, and that online purchasing is a common practice. So I built my presentation around mobile devices, and the outline is (1) email safety, (2) text messaging safety, and (3) online purchasing safety.

BTW, notice that the flyer doesn’t have my contact info. The Program Director focused on the time and date of the presentation. I’ll be giving the attendees a handout with a summary of the safety points covered, and that handout will have my contact info.

This opportunity came out of the blue, but I think it has potential for development everywhere, so I’m sharing it with my fellow small business entrepreneurs. This may be an additional niche revenue stream for you, too: remote tech support focused on senior living facilities. This facility offers step-up care from independent living, through assisted living, and on to memory care, if needed. Some of the residents will have relatives who can provide “Tier 1 Support,” but there are issues for which they need someone with more expertise, and who is comfortable working with senior adults. And, sadly, some of the residents have no one else to turn to.

My business development methodology here is to give the presentation at no charge. This gives the staff and residents an opportunity to get to know me, so they think of me later when they need tech support. After the “trial run” on Sept. 17, I’ll refine the presentation, and then I’ll reach out to the other senior facilities in this area and offer it to them, too. Let’s see what happens!

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

At 1:00pm PDT today, I’m doing a presentation on Internet Safety at a local senior living center.

The Active Living Program Director invited me to speak. When I said yes, he asked if I had a publicity flyer. I said no, but I can make one. He said, “I’ll make it. I make these all the time.”

And wow, I am so glad I let him make the flyer, because it’s way better than anything I would have done.

In preparing for the presentation, I learned that the residents use far more phones and iPads than laptops, and that online purchasing is a common practice. So I built my presentation around mobile devices, and the outline is (1) email safety, (2) text messaging safety, and (3) online purchasing safety.

BTW, notice that the flyer doesn’t have my contact info. The Program Director focused on the time and date of the presentation. I’ll be giving the attendees a handout with a summary of the safety points covered, and that handout will have my contact info.

This opportunity came out of the blue, but I think it has potential for development everywhere, so I’m sharing it with my fellow small business entrepreneurs. This may be an additional niche revenue stream for you, too: remote tech support focused on senior living facilities. This facility offers step-up care from independent living, through assisted living, and on to memory care, if needed. Some of the residents will have relatives who can provide “Tier 1 Support,” but there are issues for which they need someone with more expertise, and who is comfortable working with senior adults. And, sadly, some of the residents have no one else to turn to.

My business development methodology here is to give the presentation at no charge. This gives the staff and residents an opportunity to get to know me, so they think of me later when they need tech support. After the “trial run” on Sept. 17, I’ll refine the presentation, and then I’ll reach out to the other senior facilities in this area and offer it to them, too. Let’s see what happens!

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

At 1:00pm PDT today, I’m doing a presentation on Internet Safety at a local senior living center.

The Active Living Program Director invited me to speak. When I said yes, he asked if I had a publicity flyer. I said no, but I can make one. He said, “I’ll make it. I make these all the time.”

And wow, I am so glad I let him make the flyer, because it’s way better than anything I would have done.

In preparing for the presentation, I learned that the residents use far more phones and iPads than laptops, and that online purchasing is a common practice. So I built my presentation around mobile devices, and the outline is (1) email safety, (2) text messaging safety, and (3) online purchasing safety.

BTW, notice that the flyer doesn’t have my contact info. The Program Director focused on the time and date of the presentation. I’ll be giving the attendees a handout with a summary of the safety points covered, and that handout will have my contact info.

This opportunity came out of the blue, but I think it has potential for development everywhere, so I’m sharing it with my fellow small business entrepreneurs. This may be an additional niche revenue stream for you, too: remote tech support focused on senior living facilities. This facility offers step-up care from independent living, through assisted living, and on to memory care, if needed. Some of the residents will have relatives who can provide “Tier 1 Support,” but there are issues for which they need someone with more expertise, and who is comfortable working with senior adults. And, sadly, some of the residents have no one else to turn to.

My business development methodology here is to give the presentation at no charge. This gives the staff and residents an opportunity to get to know me, so they think of me later when they need tech support. After the “trial run” on Sept. 17, I’ll refine the presentation, and then I’ll reach out to the other senior facilities in this area and offer it to them, too. Let’s see what happens!

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

At 1:00pm PDT today, I’m doing a presentation on Internet Safety at a local senior living center.

The Active Living Program Director invited me to speak. When I said yes, he asked if I had a publicity flyer. I said no, but I can make one. He said, “I’ll make it. I make these all the time.”

And wow, I am so glad I let him make the flyer, because it’s way better than anything I would have done.

In preparing for the presentation, I learned that the residents use far more phones and iPads than laptops, and that online purchasing is a common practice. So I built my presentation around mobile devices, and the outline is (1) email safety, (2) text messaging safety, and (3) online purchasing safety.

BTW, notice that the flyer doesn’t have my contact info. The Program Director focused on the time and date of the presentation. I’ll be giving the attendees a handout with a summary of the safety points covered, and that handout will have my contact info.

This opportunity came out of the blue, but I think it has potential for development everywhere, so I’m sharing it with my fellow small business entrepreneurs. This may be an additional niche revenue stream for you, too: remote tech support focused on senior living facilities. This facility offers step-up care from independent living, through assisted living, and on to memory care, if needed. Some of the residents will have relatives who can provide “Tier 1 Support,” but there are issues for which they need someone with more expertise, and who is comfortable working with senior adults. And, sadly, some of the residents have no one else to turn to.

My business development methodology here is to give the presentation at no charge. This gives the staff and residents an opportunity to get to know me, so they think of me later when they need tech support. After the “trial run” on Sept. 17, I’ll refine the presentation, and then I’ll reach out to the other senior facilities in this area and offer it to them, too. Let’s see what happens!

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

At 1:00pm PDT today, I’m doing a presentation on Internet Safety at a local senior living center.

The Active Living Program Director invited me to speak. When I said yes, he asked if I had a publicity flyer. I said no, but I can make one. He said, “I’ll make it. I make these all the time.”

And wow, I am so glad I let him make the flyer, because it’s way better than anything I would have done.

In preparing for the presentation, I learned that the residents use far more phones and iPads than laptops, and that online purchasing is a common practice. So I built my presentation around mobile devices, and the outline is (1) email safety, (2) text messaging safety, and (3) online purchasing safety.

BTW, notice that the flyer doesn’t have my contact info. The Program Director focused on the time and date of the presentation. I’ll be giving the attendees a handout with a summary of the safety points covered, and that handout will have my contact info.

This opportunity came out of the blue, but I think it has potential for development everywhere, so I’m sharing it with my fellow small business entrepreneurs. This may be an additional niche revenue stream for you, too: remote tech support focused on senior living facilities. This facility offers step-up care from independent living, through assisted living, and on to memory care, if needed. Some of the residents will have relatives who can provide “Tier 1 Support,” but there are issues for which they need someone with more expertise, and who is comfortable working with senior adults. And, sadly, some of the residents have no one else to turn to.

My business development methodology here is to give the presentation at no charge. This gives the staff and residents an opportunity to get to know me, so they think of me later when they need tech support. After the “trial run” on Sept. 17, I’ll refine the presentation, and then I’ll reach out to the other senior facilities in this area and offer it to them, too. Let’s see what happens!

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“I wish I could see what was on your screen right now.” When doing remote tech support, how many times have I said that?

FIFO Networks now offers remote tech support for iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones and tablets.

When people call for help with setting up email on a new phone, or adding passkeys, or changing allowed notification settings, or... the list goes on. Up until now, I’ve been flying blind, trying to talk them through it, because my paid subscription for remote support software didn’t work with mobile devices. In fact, it still doesn’t. But I found another product that DOES support working on mobile devices.

The company offers a 15-day free trial. It didn’t take that long. On day 3, I converted to an annual subscription.

BTW, the remote control feature shown in the screenshot is for Android. Apple has a different security model, and the remote support software is view-only. But even so, that’s enough to walk a client through fixing their issue(s).

The screenshot shows the permission screen on an Android Pixel 9. The phone is currently in view-only mode. The background screen is darkened, and the foreground screen is for “Allow Remote Control,” with options to Allow or Decline. There are warnings on the screen notifying the user that the remote technician will be able to see their screen and control their apps. The notice warns them that they should only allow this activity if they trust the technician, and reminds them that they can pause or end the remote session at any time.

If you know someone who could use some help with their smartphone or tablet, and you’ve been stumped by not being able to see their screen, I appreciate referrals.

Just a reminder that I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee, and I don’t take the client’s payment information until the end of the call, when I ask them, “Have I fixed the problem to your satisfaction?”

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“I wish I could see what was on your screen right now.” When doing remote tech support, how many times have I said that?

FIFO Networks now offers remote tech support for iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones and tablets.

When people call for help with setting up email on a new phone, or adding passkeys, or changing allowed notification settings, or... the list goes on. Up until now, I’ve been flying blind, trying to talk them through it, because my paid subscription for remote support software didn’t work with mobile devices. In fact, it still doesn’t. But I found another product that DOES support working on mobile devices.

The company offers a 15-day free trial. It didn’t take that long. On day 3, I converted to an annual subscription.

BTW, the remote control feature shown in the screenshot is for Android. Apple has a different security model, and the remote support software is view-only. But even so, that’s enough to walk a client through fixing their issue(s).

The screenshot shows the permission screen on an Android Pixel 9. The phone is currently in view-only mode. The background screen is darkened, and the foreground screen is for “Allow Remote Control,” with options to Allow or Decline. There are warnings on the screen notifying the user that the remote technician will be able to see their screen and control their apps. The notice warns them that they should only allow this activity if they trust the technician, and reminds them that they can pause or end the remote session at any time.

If you know someone who could use some help with their smartphone or tablet, and you’ve been stumped by not being able to see their screen, I appreciate referrals.

Just a reminder that I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee, and I don’t take the client’s payment information until the end of the call, when I ask them, “Have I fixed the problem to your satisfaction?”

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“I wish I could see what was on your screen right now.” When doing remote tech support, how many times have I said that?

FIFO Networks now offers remote tech support for iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones and tablets.

When people call for help with setting up email on a new phone, or adding passkeys, or changing allowed notification settings, or... the list goes on. Up until now, I’ve been flying blind, trying to talk them through it, because my paid subscription for remote support software didn’t work with mobile devices. In fact, it still doesn’t. But I found another product that DOES support working on mobile devices.

The company offers a 15-day free trial. It didn’t take that long. On day 3, I converted to an annual subscription.

BTW, the remote control feature shown in the screenshot is for Android. Apple has a different security model, and the remote support software is view-only. But even so, that’s enough to walk a client through fixing their issue(s).

The screenshot shows the permission screen on an Android Pixel 9. The phone is currently in view-only mode. The background screen is darkened, and the foreground screen is for “Allow Remote Control,” with options to Allow or Decline. There are warnings on the screen notifying the user that the remote technician will be able to see their screen and control their apps. The notice warns them that they should only allow this activity if they trust the technician, and reminds them that they can pause or end the remote session at any time.

If you know someone who could use some help with their smartphone or tablet, and you’ve been stumped by not being able to see their screen, I appreciate referrals.

Just a reminder that I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee, and I don’t take the client’s payment information until the end of the call, when I ask them, “Have I fixed the problem to your satisfaction?”

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“I wish I could see what was on your screen right now.” When doing remote tech support, how many times have I said that?

FIFO Networks now offers remote tech support for iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones and tablets.

When people call for help with setting up email on a new phone, or adding passkeys, or changing allowed notification settings, or... the list goes on. Up until now, I’ve been flying blind, trying to talk them through it, because my paid subscription for remote support software didn’t work with mobile devices. In fact, it still doesn’t. But I found another product that DOES support working on mobile devices.

The company offers a 15-day free trial. It didn’t take that long. On day 3, I converted to an annual subscription.

BTW, the remote control feature shown in the screenshot is for Android. Apple has a different security model, and the remote support software is view-only. But even so, that’s enough to walk a client through fixing their issue(s).

The screenshot shows the permission screen on an Android Pixel 9. The phone is currently in view-only mode. The background screen is darkened, and the foreground screen is for “Allow Remote Control,” with options to Allow or Decline. There are warnings on the screen notifying the user that the remote technician will be able to see their screen and control their apps. The notice warns them that they should only allow this activity if they trust the technician, and reminds them that they can pause or end the remote session at any time.

If you know someone who could use some help with their smartphone or tablet, and you’ve been stumped by not being able to see their screen, I appreciate referrals.

Just a reminder that I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee, and I don’t take the client’s payment information until the end of the call, when I ask them, “Have I fixed the problem to your satisfaction?”

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“I wish I could see what was on your screen right now.” When doing remote tech support, how many times have I said that?

FIFO Networks now offers remote tech support for iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones and tablets.

When people call for help with setting up email on a new phone, or adding passkeys, or changing allowed notification settings, or... the list goes on. Up until now, I’ve been flying blind, trying to talk them through it, because my paid subscription for remote support software didn’t work with mobile devices. In fact, it still doesn’t. But I found another product that DOES support working on mobile devices.

The company offers a 15-day free trial. It didn’t take that long. On day 3, I converted to an annual subscription.

BTW, the remote control feature shown in the screenshot is for Android. Apple has a different security model, and the remote support software is view-only. But even so, that’s enough to walk a client through fixing their issue(s).

The screenshot shows the permission screen on an Android Pixel 9. The phone is currently in view-only mode. The background screen is darkened, and the foreground screen is for “Allow Remote Control,” with options to Allow or Decline. There are warnings on the screen notifying the user that the remote technician will be able to see their screen and control their apps. The notice warns them that they should only allow this activity if they trust the technician, and reminds them that they can pause or end the remote session at any time.

If you know someone who could use some help with their smartphone or tablet, and you’ve been stumped by not being able to see their screen, I appreciate referrals.

Just a reminder that I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee, and I don’t take the client’s payment information until the end of the call, when I ask them, “Have I fixed the problem to your satisfaction?”

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

This is the second time in a week that I’ve removed a “web browser” called OneLaunch from a client’s computer. This was two different clients. In both cases, the client didn’t know how it got there. I’m still not sure how they’re downloading it, and without realizing it, approving the installation.

It’s a little dickens to get rid of. You can uninstall it, but then it’ll show up again after a reboot, so you have to find the loader file. The loader file for each client was different, so I can’t give you a simple solution here.

If you know what the “bait” is, I’d love to learn what it is my clients are clicking on to install this adware generator, so I can educate people not to click on it.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

This is the second time in a week that I’ve removed a “web browser” called OneLaunch from a client’s computer. This was two different clients. In both cases, the client didn’t know how it got there. I’m still not sure how they’re downloading it, and without realizing it, approving the installation.

It’s a little dickens to get rid of. You can uninstall it, but then it’ll show up again after a reboot, so you have to find the loader file. The loader file for each client was different, so I can’t give you a simple solution here.

If you know what the “bait” is, I’d love to learn what it is my clients are clicking on to install this adware generator, so I can educate people not to click on it.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

This is the second time in a week that I’ve removed a “web browser” called OneLaunch from a client’s computer. This was two different clients. In both cases, the client didn’t know how it got there. I’m still not sure how they’re downloading it, and without realizing it, approving the installation.

It’s a little dickens to get rid of. You can uninstall it, but then it’ll show up again after a reboot, so you have to find the loader file. The loader file for each client was different, so I can’t give you a simple solution here.

If you know what the “bait” is, I’d love to learn what it is my clients are clicking on to install this adware generator, so I can educate people not to click on it.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

This is the second time in a week that I’ve removed a “web browser” called OneLaunch from a client’s computer. This was two different clients. In both cases, the client didn’t know how it got there. I’m still not sure how they’re downloading it, and without realizing it, approving the installation.

It’s a little dickens to get rid of. You can uninstall it, but then it’ll show up again after a reboot, so you have to find the loader file. The loader file for each client was different, so I can’t give you a simple solution here.

If you know what the “bait” is, I’d love to learn what it is my clients are clicking on to install this adware generator, so I can educate people not to click on it.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

This is the second time in a week that I’ve removed a “web browser” called OneLaunch from a client’s computer. This was two different clients. In both cases, the client didn’t know how it got there. I’m still not sure how they’re downloading it, and without realizing it, approving the installation.

It’s a little dickens to get rid of. You can uninstall it, but then it’ll show up again after a reboot, so you have to find the loader file. The loader file for each client was different, so I can’t give you a simple solution here.

If you know what the “bait” is, I’d love to learn what it is my clients are clicking on to install this adware generator, so I can educate people not to click on it.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Okay, I’m naive. And gullible. I just have to face the fact, and admit it.

So, here’s what’s going on. I have a pretty detailed spam filtering system for my email. I’m filtering on top-level domains (TLDs), keywords in the subject, keywords in the message body, and so on. Most messages go into a review folder before deletion, because I’ve made mistakes in the past with filtering parameters that were too broad.

Today, I had a brilliant idea: “I’m going to contact some of these people with compromised top-level domains and tell them, ‘Hey, someone is using your domain to send spam. It may be an employee computer that’s been compromised, or it may be an account in your email server that’s been compromised, but either way, I can find the problem and fix it for you.’”

Brilliant idea – or so I thought.

I picked an email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage.

Uh-oh. It’s not a legitimate business. The website is a front. The whole TLD is owned by the spammer and exists for the sole purpose of sending spam.

So I picked another email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage. Same thing. It sort of looks legitimate, but a lot of the “links” aren’t actually clickable.

All this time, I thought spam was coming from compromised businesses, and I’m sure some of it is. But a lot of it is from shell companies, not “real” domains at all.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Okay, I’m naive. And gullible. I just have to face the fact, and admit it.

So, here’s what’s going on. I have a pretty detailed spam filtering system for my email. I’m filtering on top-level domains (TLDs), keywords in the subject, keywords in the message body, and so on. Most messages go into a review folder before deletion, because I’ve made mistakes in the past with filtering parameters that were too broad.

Today, I had a brilliant idea: “I’m going to contact some of these people with compromised top-level domains and tell them, ‘Hey, someone is using your domain to send spam. It may be an employee computer that’s been compromised, or it may be an account in your email server that’s been compromised, but either way, I can find the problem and fix it for you.’”

Brilliant idea – or so I thought.

I picked an email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage.

Uh-oh. It’s not a legitimate business. The website is a front. The whole TLD is owned by the spammer and exists for the sole purpose of sending spam.

So I picked another email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage. Same thing. It sort of looks legitimate, but a lot of the “links” aren’t actually clickable.

All this time, I thought spam was coming from compromised businesses, and I’m sure some of it is. But a lot of it is from shell companies, not “real” domains at all.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Okay, I’m naive. And gullible. I just have to face the fact, and admit it.

So, here’s what’s going on. I have a pretty detailed spam filtering system for my email. I’m filtering on top-level domains (TLDs), keywords in the subject, keywords in the message body, and so on. Most messages go into a review folder before deletion, because I’ve made mistakes in the past with filtering parameters that were too broad.

Today, I had a brilliant idea: “I’m going to contact some of these people with compromised top-level domains and tell them, ‘Hey, someone is using your domain to send spam. It may be an employee computer that’s been compromised, or it may be an account in your email server that’s been compromised, but either way, I can find the problem and fix it for you.’”

Brilliant idea – or so I thought.

I picked an email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage.

Uh-oh. It’s not a legitimate business. The website is a front. The whole TLD is owned by the spammer and exists for the sole purpose of sending spam.

So I picked another email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage. Same thing. It sort of looks legitimate, but a lot of the “links” aren’t actually clickable.

All this time, I thought spam was coming from compromised businesses, and I’m sure some of it is. But a lot of it is from shell companies, not “real” domains at all.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Okay, I’m naive. And gullible. I just have to face the fact, and admit it.

So, here’s what’s going on. I have a pretty detailed spam filtering system for my email. I’m filtering on top-level domains (TLDs), keywords in the subject, keywords in the message body, and so on. Most messages go into a review folder before deletion, because I’ve made mistakes in the past with filtering parameters that were too broad.

Today, I had a brilliant idea: “I’m going to contact some of these people with compromised top-level domains and tell them, ‘Hey, someone is using your domain to send spam. It may be an employee computer that’s been compromised, or it may be an account in your email server that’s been compromised, but either way, I can find the problem and fix it for you.’”

Brilliant idea – or so I thought.

I picked an email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage.

Uh-oh. It’s not a legitimate business. The website is a front. The whole TLD is owned by the spammer and exists for the sole purpose of sending spam.

So I picked another email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage. Same thing. It sort of looks legitimate, but a lot of the “links” aren’t actually clickable.

All this time, I thought spam was coming from compromised businesses, and I’m sure some of it is. But a lot of it is from shell companies, not “real” domains at all.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Okay, I’m naive. And gullible. I just have to face the fact, and admit it.

So, here’s what’s going on. I have a pretty detailed spam filtering system for my email. I’m filtering on top-level domains (TLDs), keywords in the subject, keywords in the message body, and so on. Most messages go into a review folder before deletion, because I’ve made mistakes in the past with filtering parameters that were too broad.

Today, I had a brilliant idea: “I’m going to contact some of these people with compromised top-level domains and tell them, ‘Hey, someone is using your domain to send spam. It may be an employee computer that’s been compromised, or it may be an account in your email server that’s been compromised, but either way, I can find the problem and fix it for you.’”

Brilliant idea – or so I thought.

I picked an email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage.

Uh-oh. It’s not a legitimate business. The website is a front. The whole TLD is owned by the spammer and exists for the sole purpose of sending spam.

So I picked another email, identified the TLD, and visited the homepage. Same thing. It sort of looks legitimate, but a lot of the “links” aren’t actually clickable.

All this time, I thought spam was coming from compromised businesses, and I’m sure some of it is. But a lot of it is from shell companies, not “real” domains at all.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.
Adding more Wi-Fi access points does not create more bandwidth.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

He did five tours in the Middle East. He came home with severe PTSD. He retired from the US Air Force a few years ago. He cut off communications with his mother and disappeared in 2020. She asked me to find him.

The dilemma with Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) research is “privacy versus information.”

His mother wants to know where he is, and if he’s doing okay. He apparently doesn’t want his mother to know those answers.

I took the job. Property records, voter registration, crime reports, obituaries, and of course, social media – there’s lots of publicly available information, if you have a few “starter” bits of information to work from.

I found him.

He moved to a different state in 2021. He owns a home. He’s married.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

He did five tours in the Middle East. He came home with severe PTSD. He retired from the US Air Force a few years ago. He cut off communications with his mother and disappeared in 2020. She asked me to find him.

The dilemma with Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) research is “privacy versus information.”

His mother wants to know where he is, and if he’s doing okay. He apparently doesn’t want his mother to know those answers.

I took the job. Property records, voter registration, crime reports, obituaries, and of course, social media – there’s lots of publicly available information, if you have a few “starter” bits of information to work from.

I found him.

He moved to a different state in 2021. He owns a home. He’s married.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

He did five tours in the Middle East. He came home with severe PTSD. He retired from the US Air Force a few years ago. He cut off communications with his mother and disappeared in 2020. She asked me to find him.

The dilemma with Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) research is “privacy versus information.”

His mother wants to know where he is, and if he’s doing okay. He apparently doesn’t want his mother to know those answers.

I took the job. Property records, voter registration, crime reports, obituaries, and of course, social media – there’s lots of publicly available information, if you have a few “starter” bits of information to work from.

I found him.

He moved to a different state in 2021. He owns a home. He’s married.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

He did five tours in the Middle East. He came home with severe PTSD. He retired from the US Air Force a few years ago. He cut off communications with his mother and disappeared in 2020. She asked me to find him.

The dilemma with Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) research is “privacy versus information.”

His mother wants to know where he is, and if he’s doing okay. He apparently doesn’t want his mother to know those answers.

I took the job. Property records, voter registration, crime reports, obituaries, and of course, social media – there’s lots of publicly available information, if you have a few “starter” bits of information to work from.

I found him.

He moved to a different state in 2021. He owns a home. He’s married.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

He did five tours in the Middle East. He came home with severe PTSD. He retired from the US Air Force a few years ago. He cut off communications with his mother and disappeared in 2020. She asked me to find him.

The dilemma with Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) research is “privacy versus information.”

His mother wants to know where he is, and if he’s doing okay. He apparently doesn’t want his mother to know those answers.

I took the job. Property records, voter registration, crime reports, obituaries, and of course, social media – there’s lots of publicly available information, if you have a few “starter” bits of information to work from.

I found him.

He moved to a different state in 2021. He owns a home. He’s married.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Botnets everywhere...

The client’s firewall was installed with the default settings only. They changed IT resources and started paying me a monthly fee for network infrastructure monitoring (yay!). I tightened up the firewall’s security settings, and discovered they were paying licensing fees for seciurity features that had never been activated. Next, I reset the log counters, set up email alerts, and started paying attention.

Wow. In a couple of days I was seeing a lot of outbound traffic communicating with known botnet command-and-control (C&C) servers.

I notified the business owner, and he authorized me to do a network scan during working hours to identify the devices with the IP addresses recorded in the logs.

Good news! Every one of the compromised devices was a mobile device; some Apple, some Android. No servers, no workstations, no printers. This company has two Wi-Fi networks: StoreName, and StoreName Guest. The next step was to change the encryption key (what most people call the Wi-Fi password) for the StoreName network, and limit access to devices like wireless printers and security cameras. This ensured that no employee or customer phones were connecting to the enterprise LAN.

As a courtesy, employees were notified that there were some infected smartphones (“We don’t know who, but it may be you”) and offered the opportunity to compare their phone’s Wi-Fi IP address against the list derived from the logfile.

LESSON 1: A firewall installed with its default settings is good. A firewall configured by someone who knows what they’re doing is better. A firewall that is configured and actively monitored is best.

LESSON 2: A guest Wi-Fi network, isolated from the company network, isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, if you’re going to let employees and customers use Wi-Fi in your building.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Botnets everywhere...

The client’s firewall was installed with the default settings only. They changed IT resources and started paying me a monthly fee for network infrastructure monitoring (yay!). I tightened up the firewall’s security settings, and discovered they were paying licensing fees for seciurity features that had never been activated. Next, I reset the log counters, set up email alerts, and started paying attention.

Wow. In a couple of days I was seeing a lot of outbound traffic communicating with known botnet command-and-control (C&C) servers.

I notified the business owner, and he authorized me to do a network scan during working hours to identify the devices with the IP addresses recorded in the logs.

Good news! Every one of the compromised devices was a mobile device; some Apple, some Android. No servers, no workstations, no printers. This company has two Wi-Fi networks: StoreName, and StoreName Guest. The next step was to change the encryption key (what most people call the Wi-Fi password) for the StoreName network, and limit access to devices like wireless printers and security cameras. This ensured that no employee or customer phones were connecting to the enterprise LAN.

As a courtesy, employees were notified that there were some infected smartphones (“We don’t know who, but it may be you”) and offered the opportunity to compare their phone’s Wi-Fi IP address against the list derived from the logfile.

LESSON 1: A firewall installed with its default settings is good. A firewall configured by someone who knows what they’re doing is better. A firewall that is configured and actively monitored is best.

LESSON 2: A guest Wi-Fi network, isolated from the company network, isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, if you’re going to let employees and customers use Wi-Fi in your building.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Botnets everywhere...

The client’s firewall was installed with the default settings only. They changed IT resources and started paying me a monthly fee for network infrastructure monitoring (yay!). I tightened up the firewall’s security settings, and discovered they were paying licensing fees for seciurity features that had never been activated. Next, I reset the log counters, set up email alerts, and started paying attention.

Wow. In a couple of days I was seeing a lot of outbound traffic communicating with known botnet command-and-control (C&C) servers.

I notified the business owner, and he authorized me to do a network scan during working hours to identify the devices with the IP addresses recorded in the logs.

Good news! Every one of the compromised devices was a mobile device; some Apple, some Android. No servers, no workstations, no printers. This company has two Wi-Fi networks: StoreName, and StoreName Guest. The next step was to change the encryption key (what most people call the Wi-Fi password) for the StoreName network, and limit access to devices like wireless printers and security cameras. This ensured that no employee or customer phones were connecting to the enterprise LAN.

As a courtesy, employees were notified that there were some infected smartphones (“We don’t know who, but it may be you”) and offered the opportunity to compare their phone’s Wi-Fi IP address against the list derived from the logfile.

LESSON 1: A firewall installed with its default settings is good. A firewall configured by someone who knows what they’re doing is better. A firewall that is configured and actively monitored is best.

LESSON 2: A guest Wi-Fi network, isolated from the company network, isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, if you’re going to let employees and customers use Wi-Fi in your building.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Botnets everywhere...

The client’s firewall was installed with the default settings only. They changed IT resources and started paying me a monthly fee for network infrastructure monitoring (yay!). I tightened up the firewall’s security settings, and discovered they were paying licensing fees for seciurity features that had never been activated. Next, I reset the log counters, set up email alerts, and started paying attention.

Wow. In a couple of days I was seeing a lot of outbound traffic communicating with known botnet command-and-control (C&C) servers.

I notified the business owner, and he authorized me to do a network scan during working hours to identify the devices with the IP addresses recorded in the logs.

Good news! Every one of the compromised devices was a mobile device; some Apple, some Android. No servers, no workstations, no printers. This company has two Wi-Fi networks: StoreName, and StoreName Guest. The next step was to change the encryption key (what most people call the Wi-Fi password) for the StoreName network, and limit access to devices like wireless printers and security cameras. This ensured that no employee or customer phones were connecting to the enterprise LAN.

As a courtesy, employees were notified that there were some infected smartphones (“We don’t know who, but it may be you”) and offered the opportunity to compare their phone’s Wi-Fi IP address against the list derived from the logfile.

LESSON 1: A firewall installed with its default settings is good. A firewall configured by someone who knows what they’re doing is better. A firewall that is configured and actively monitored is best.

LESSON 2: A guest Wi-Fi network, isolated from the company network, isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, if you’re going to let employees and customers use Wi-Fi in your building.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Botnets everywhere...

The client’s firewall was installed with the default settings only. They changed IT resources and started paying me a monthly fee for network infrastructure monitoring (yay!). I tightened up the firewall’s security settings, and discovered they were paying licensing fees for seciurity features that had never been activated. Next, I reset the log counters, set up email alerts, and started paying attention.

Wow. In a couple of days I was seeing a lot of outbound traffic communicating with known botnet command-and-control (C&C) servers.

I notified the business owner, and he authorized me to do a network scan during working hours to identify the devices with the IP addresses recorded in the logs.

Good news! Every one of the compromised devices was a mobile device; some Apple, some Android. No servers, no workstations, no printers. This company has two Wi-Fi networks: StoreName, and StoreName Guest. The next step was to change the encryption key (what most people call the Wi-Fi password) for the StoreName network, and limit access to devices like wireless printers and security cameras. This ensured that no employee or customer phones were connecting to the enterprise LAN.

As a courtesy, employees were notified that there were some infected smartphones (“We don’t know who, but it may be you”) and offered the opportunity to compare their phone’s Wi-Fi IP address against the list derived from the logfile.

LESSON 1: A firewall installed with its default settings is good. A firewall configured by someone who knows what they’re doing is better. A firewall that is configured and actively monitored is best.

LESSON 2: A guest Wi-Fi network, isolated from the company network, isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, if you’re going to let employees and customers use Wi-Fi in your building.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“That costs more than I thought it would.”

A residential client told me that she had talked to a friend who needed someone to restore her ability to print. She gave me the name and phone number of the prospect, with the woman’s permission. She also told me that the woman is about 90 years old. Her son had tried to get her printer working, but wasn’t able to, so she needed a tech support person.

Today I called. She said, “We have two printers, and I can’t get either one of them to work since I got a new router a couple of weeks ago.”

(Side note: wait, did she just mention her router? And did she say she and her husband have two printers? Yup, and it should come as no surprise. This is the new, common reality of working tech support with the elderly. They’re often more technically literate than you think. Do the math. Let’s say she’s a full 90 years old, and retired at the age of 65. That was in 2001. Computers were everywhere in 2001. If you know elderly people who don’t understand computers, it’s not because they’re old; it’s because they had a job that didn’t involve using computers. Today, there are 90-year-olds who were software engineers).

Back to the story... I told her yes, I could help her with that, and I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee. She was all set to have me do the work. Then I said, “First, I want to be transparent about the cost.” I told her my hourly rate.

[silence for over a second]... “Okay, I’ll talk to my husband and let you know.”

My rate is the same for residential service as for business service. Many years ago I charged less for residential. I learned my lesson. Now, if anything, I’d say (only half joking) that residential clients could legitimately be charged a premium.

I charge the same because my costs are the same, and because I’m running a for-profit business. There are several other reasons, too, but we’ll leave it at that for this post.

THE LESSON
If you’re doing residential tech support, give serious thought to your fee structure. If you try to sell it cheap, you can end up working your tail off and struggling to make ends meet. Find clients who can afford to pay you at the current competitive rates.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“That costs more than I thought it would.”

A residential client told me that she had talked to a friend who needed someone to restore her ability to print. She gave me the name and phone number of the prospect, with the woman’s permission. She also told me that the woman is about 90 years old. Her son had tried to get her printer working, but wasn’t able to, so she needed a tech support person.

Today I called. She said, “We have two printers, and I can’t get either one of them to work since I got a new router a couple of weeks ago.”

(Side note: wait, did she just mention her router? And did she say she and her husband have two printers? Yup, and it should come as no surprise. This is the new, common reality of working tech support with the elderly. They’re often more technically literate than you think. Do the math. Let’s say she’s a full 90 years old, and retired at the age of 65. That was in 2001. Computers were everywhere in 2001. If you know elderly people who don’t understand computers, it’s not because they’re old; it’s because they had a job that didn’t involve using computers. Today, there are 90-year-olds who were software engineers).

Back to the story... I told her yes, I could help her with that, and I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee. She was all set to have me do the work. Then I said, “First, I want to be transparent about the cost.” I told her my hourly rate.

[silence for over a second]... “Okay, I’ll talk to my husband and let you know.”

My rate is the same for residential service as for business service. Many years ago I charged less for residential. I learned my lesson. Now, if anything, I’d say (only half joking) that residential clients could legitimately be charged a premium.

I charge the same because my costs are the same, and because I’m running a for-profit business. There are several other reasons, too, but we’ll leave it at that for this post.

THE LESSON
If you’re doing residential tech support, give serious thought to your fee structure. If you try to sell it cheap, you can end up working your tail off and struggling to make ends meet. Find clients who can afford to pay you at the current competitive rates.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“That costs more than I thought it would.”

A residential client told me that she had talked to a friend who needed someone to restore her ability to print. She gave me the name and phone number of the prospect, with the woman’s permission. She also told me that the woman is about 90 years old. Her son had tried to get her printer working, but wasn’t able to, so she needed a tech support person.

Today I called. She said, “We have two printers, and I can’t get either one of them to work since I got a new router a couple of weeks ago.”

(Side note: wait, did she just mention her router? And did she say she and her husband have two printers? Yup, and it should come as no surprise. This is the new, common reality of working tech support with the elderly. They’re often more technically literate than you think. Do the math. Let’s say she’s a full 90 years old, and retired at the age of 65. That was in 2001. Computers were everywhere in 2001. If you know elderly people who don’t understand computers, it’s not because they’re old; it’s because they had a job that didn’t involve using computers. Today, there are 90-year-olds who were software engineers).

Back to the story... I told her yes, I could help her with that, and I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee. She was all set to have me do the work. Then I said, “First, I want to be transparent about the cost.” I told her my hourly rate.

[silence for over a second]... “Okay, I’ll talk to my husband and let you know.”

My rate is the same for residential service as for business service. Many years ago I charged less for residential. I learned my lesson. Now, if anything, I’d say (only half joking) that residential clients could legitimately be charged a premium.

I charge the same because my costs are the same, and because I’m running a for-profit business. There are several other reasons, too, but we’ll leave it at that for this post.

THE LESSON
If you’re doing residential tech support, give serious thought to your fee structure. If you try to sell it cheap, you can end up working your tail off and struggling to make ends meet. Find clients who can afford to pay you at the current competitive rates.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“That costs more than I thought it would.”

A residential client told me that she had talked to a friend who needed someone to restore her ability to print. She gave me the name and phone number of the prospect, with the woman’s permission. She also told me that the woman is about 90 years old. Her son had tried to get her printer working, but wasn’t able to, so she needed a tech support person.

Today I called. She said, “We have two printers, and I can’t get either one of them to work since I got a new router a couple of weeks ago.”

(Side note: wait, did she just mention her router? And did she say she and her husband have two printers? Yup, and it should come as no surprise. This is the new, common reality of working tech support with the elderly. They’re often more technically literate than you think. Do the math. Let’s say she’s a full 90 years old, and retired at the age of 65. That was in 2001. Computers were everywhere in 2001. If you know elderly people who don’t understand computers, it’s not because they’re old; it’s because they had a job that didn’t involve using computers. Today, there are 90-year-olds who were software engineers).

Back to the story... I told her yes, I could help her with that, and I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee. She was all set to have me do the work. Then I said, “First, I want to be transparent about the cost.” I told her my hourly rate.

[silence for over a second]... “Okay, I’ll talk to my husband and let you know.”

My rate is the same for residential service as for business service. Many years ago I charged less for residential. I learned my lesson. Now, if anything, I’d say (only half joking) that residential clients could legitimately be charged a premium.

I charge the same because my costs are the same, and because I’m running a for-profit business. There are several other reasons, too, but we’ll leave it at that for this post.

THE LESSON
If you’re doing residential tech support, give serious thought to your fee structure. If you try to sell it cheap, you can end up working your tail off and struggling to make ends meet. Find clients who can afford to pay you at the current competitive rates.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“That costs more than I thought it would.”

A residential client told me that she had talked to a friend who needed someone to restore her ability to print. She gave me the name and phone number of the prospect, with the woman’s permission. She also told me that the woman is about 90 years old. Her son had tried to get her printer working, but wasn’t able to, so she needed a tech support person.

Today I called. She said, “We have two printers, and I can’t get either one of them to work since I got a new router a couple of weeks ago.”

(Side note: wait, did she just mention her router? And did she say she and her husband have two printers? Yup, and it should come as no surprise. This is the new, common reality of working tech support with the elderly. They’re often more technically literate than you think. Do the math. Let’s say she’s a full 90 years old, and retired at the age of 65. That was in 2001. Computers were everywhere in 2001. If you know elderly people who don’t understand computers, it’s not because they’re old; it’s because they had a job that didn’t involve using computers. Today, there are 90-year-olds who were software engineers).

Back to the story... I told her yes, I could help her with that, and I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee. She was all set to have me do the work. Then I said, “First, I want to be transparent about the cost.” I told her my hourly rate.

[silence for over a second]... “Okay, I’ll talk to my husband and let you know.”

My rate is the same for residential service as for business service. Many years ago I charged less for residential. I learned my lesson. Now, if anything, I’d say (only half joking) that residential clients could legitimately be charged a premium.

I charge the same because my costs are the same, and because I’m running a for-profit business. There are several other reasons, too, but we’ll leave it at that for this post.

THE LESSON
If you’re doing residential tech support, give serious thought to your fee structure. If you try to sell it cheap, you can end up working your tail off and struggling to make ends meet. Find clients who can afford to pay you at the current competitive rates.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“Bob, when I tried to order a pizza I think my computer was infected with a virus.”

The infection was dramatic and instant. The client called me less than two hours after it happened.

THE SITUATION
This client in Nevada opened the web browser on his laptop and began typing the name of a popular pizza delivery service. If you’re in the USA, you’d recognize the name, they’re everywhere. He clicked on one of the search results – he thought it was the right one – and began selecting the pizza. Before he could complete the order, his laptop was unusable because of pop-ups telling him he had a virus. All of the "virus" alerts were fake.

WHAT THE CLIENT DID NEXT
He set the computer aside, used his phone to order the pizza, and after dinner he called me. While we talked on the phone, I connected remotely to his computer.

We were lucky. Some malware blocks remote connections.

Once I was connected, I was able to stop some malicious running processes to regain control of the computer and stop the pop-ups. But this is a temporary solution. The problem isn’t resolved until you eliminate the source file. I used System Restore to roll his Windows 11 configuration back a few days.

In a follow-up customer care check two days later, the client reported that his laptop is still working normally.

THE LESSON
If it’s a popular website, you can pretty much bet that a cybercriminal has created a look-alike site with a name that looks similar, but is spelled just a little different. Look carefully before you click on the search result. Then, it’s a good idea to bookmark a website that you’ll visit more than once. Instead of taking a risk every time you type the name, you can trust the bookmark (“favorite”) that you saved.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“Bob, when I tried to order a pizza I think my computer was infected with a virus.”

The infection was dramatic and instant. The client called me less than two hours after it happened.

THE SITUATION
This client in Nevada opened the web browser on his laptop and began typing the name of a popular pizza delivery service. If you’re in the USA, you’d recognize the name, they’re everywhere. He clicked on one of the search results – he thought it was the right one – and began selecting the pizza. Before he could complete the order, his laptop was unusable because of pop-ups telling him he had a virus. All of the "virus" alerts were fake.

WHAT THE CLIENT DID NEXT
He set the computer aside, used his phone to order the pizza, and after dinner he called me. While we talked on the phone, I connected remotely to his computer.

We were lucky. Some malware blocks remote connections.

Once I was connected, I was able to stop some malicious running processes to regain control of the computer and stop the pop-ups. But this is a temporary solution. The problem isn’t resolved until you eliminate the source file. I used System Restore to roll his Windows 11 configuration back a few days.

In a follow-up customer care check two days later, the client reported that his laptop is still working normally.

THE LESSON
If it’s a popular website, you can pretty much bet that a cybercriminal has created a look-alike site with a name that looks similar, but is spelled just a little different. Look carefully before you click on the search result. Then, it’s a good idea to bookmark a website that you’ll visit more than once. Instead of taking a risk every time you type the name, you can trust the bookmark (“favorite”) that you saved.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“Bob, when I tried to order a pizza I think my computer was infected with a virus.”

The infection was dramatic and instant. The client called me less than two hours after it happened.

THE SITUATION
This client in Nevada opened the web browser on his laptop and began typing the name of a popular pizza delivery service. If you’re in the USA, you’d recognize the name, they’re everywhere. He clicked on one of the search results – he thought it was the right one – and began selecting the pizza. Before he could complete the order, his laptop was unusable because of pop-ups telling him he had a virus. All of the "virus" alerts were fake.

WHAT THE CLIENT DID NEXT
He set the computer aside, used his phone to order the pizza, and after dinner he called me. While we talked on the phone, I connected remotely to his computer.

We were lucky. Some malware blocks remote connections.

Once I was connected, I was able to stop some malicious running processes to regain control of the computer and stop the pop-ups. But this is a temporary solution. The problem isn’t resolved until you eliminate the source file. I used System Restore to roll his Windows 11 configuration back a few days.

In a follow-up customer care check two days later, the client reported that his laptop is still working normally.

THE LESSON
If it’s a popular website, you can pretty much bet that a cybercriminal has created a look-alike site with a name that looks similar, but is spelled just a little different. Look carefully before you click on the search result. Then, it’s a good idea to bookmark a website that you’ll visit more than once. Instead of taking a risk every time you type the name, you can trust the bookmark (“favorite”) that you saved.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“Bob, when I tried to order a pizza I think my computer was infected with a virus.”

The infection was dramatic and instant. The client called me less than two hours after it happened.

THE SITUATION
This client in Nevada opened the web browser on his laptop and began typing the name of a popular pizza delivery service. If you’re in the USA, you’d recognize the name, they’re everywhere. He clicked on one of the search results – he thought it was the right one – and began selecting the pizza. Before he could complete the order, his laptop was unusable because of pop-ups telling him he had a virus. All of the "virus" alerts were fake.

WHAT THE CLIENT DID NEXT
He set the computer aside, used his phone to order the pizza, and after dinner he called me. While we talked on the phone, I connected remotely to his computer.

We were lucky. Some malware blocks remote connections.

Once I was connected, I was able to stop some malicious running processes to regain control of the computer and stop the pop-ups. But this is a temporary solution. The problem isn’t resolved until you eliminate the source file. I used System Restore to roll his Windows 11 configuration back a few days.

In a follow-up customer care check two days later, the client reported that his laptop is still working normally.

THE LESSON
If it’s a popular website, you can pretty much bet that a cybercriminal has created a look-alike site with a name that looks similar, but is spelled just a little different. Look carefully before you click on the search result. Then, it’s a good idea to bookmark a website that you’ll visit more than once. Instead of taking a risk every time you type the name, you can trust the bookmark (“favorite”) that you saved.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“Bob, when I tried to order a pizza I think my computer was infected with a virus.”

The infection was dramatic and instant. The client called me less than two hours after it happened.

THE SITUATION
This client in Nevada opened the web browser on his laptop and began typing the name of a popular pizza delivery service. If you’re in the USA, you’d recognize the name, they’re everywhere. He clicked on one of the search results – he thought it was the right one – and began selecting the pizza. Before he could complete the order, his laptop was unusable because of pop-ups telling him he had a virus. All of the "virus" alerts were fake.

WHAT THE CLIENT DID NEXT
He set the computer aside, used his phone to order the pizza, and after dinner he called me. While we talked on the phone, I connected remotely to his computer.

We were lucky. Some malware blocks remote connections.

Once I was connected, I was able to stop some malicious running processes to regain control of the computer and stop the pop-ups. But this is a temporary solution. The problem isn’t resolved until you eliminate the source file. I used System Restore to roll his Windows 11 configuration back a few days.

In a follow-up customer care check two days later, the client reported that his laptop is still working normally.

THE LESSON
If it’s a popular website, you can pretty much bet that a cybercriminal has created a look-alike site with a name that looks similar, but is spelled just a little different. Look carefully before you click on the search result. Then, it’s a good idea to bookmark a website that you’ll visit more than once. Instead of taking a risk every time you type the name, you can trust the bookmark (“favorite”) that you saved.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

How to handle QuickBooks Desktop updates without giving the users Administrator privilege level: a case study.

THE SCENARIO
A small business runs QB Desktop, not QB Online. The data files are on a local server. There are three computers in the server room for Remote Access. Each RA computer has QB installed. Employees can work from home a certain number of days per week. They remote into these computers and run QuickBooks from there.

THE PROBLEM
The remote workers don’t have Administrator privileges (of course). But... QuickBooks updates can’t be installed without Admin privileges. Periodically they get stuck and can’t work until someone logs into each RA computer and applies the QB updates. This wastes valuable time and occasionally puts deadlines at risk, like payroll.

THE SOLUTION
The business owner now pays me a monthly fee to login to each RA computer twice a month and apply all updates. I do this the first time shortly after “Patch Tuesday,” so I can apply all Microsoft updates at the same time. I do it again near the end of the month. I do this after hours so it doesn’t interfere with the workflow.

FIFO NETWORKS
I provide small business tech support, by the hour, for companies that are too small to need a full-time IT person on staff. It’s not automated. I’m a real human being who checks the logs, pays attention, applies the fixes, and verifies the fixes work. I taught IT and Cybersecurity at a couple of colleges for 17 years. Let’s talk, and find out if I can help you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

How to handle QuickBooks Desktop updates without giving the users Administrator privilege level: a case study.

THE SCENARIO
A small business runs QB Desktop, not QB Online. The data files are on a local server. There are three computers in the server room for Remote Access. Each RA computer has QB installed. Employees can work from home a certain number of days per week. They remote into these computers and run QuickBooks from there.

THE PROBLEM
The remote workers don’t have Administrator privileges (of course). But... QuickBooks updates can’t be installed without Admin privileges. Periodically they get stuck and can’t work until someone logs into each RA computer and applies the QB updates. This wastes valuable time and occasionally puts deadlines at risk, like payroll.

THE SOLUTION
The business owner now pays me a monthly fee to login to each RA computer twice a month and apply all updates. I do this the first time shortly after “Patch Tuesday,” so I can apply all Microsoft updates at the same time. I do it again near the end of the month. I do this after hours so it doesn’t interfere with the workflow.

FIFO NETWORKS
I provide small business tech support, by the hour, for companies that are too small to need a full-time IT person on staff. It’s not automated. I’m a real human being who checks the logs, pays attention, applies the fixes, and verifies the fixes work. I taught IT and Cybersecurity at a couple of colleges for 17 years. Let’s talk, and find out if I can help you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

How to handle QuickBooks Desktop updates without giving the users Administrator privilege level: a case study.

THE SCENARIO
A small business runs QB Desktop, not QB Online. The data files are on a local server. There are three computers in the server room for Remote Access. Each RA computer has QB installed. Employees can work from home a certain number of days per week. They remote into these computers and run QuickBooks from there.

THE PROBLEM
The remote workers don’t have Administrator privileges (of course). But... QuickBooks updates can’t be installed without Admin privileges. Periodically they get stuck and can’t work until someone logs into each RA computer and applies the QB updates. This wastes valuable time and occasionally puts deadlines at risk, like payroll.

THE SOLUTION
The business owner now pays me a monthly fee to login to each RA computer twice a month and apply all updates. I do this the first time shortly after “Patch Tuesday,” so I can apply all Microsoft updates at the same time. I do it again near the end of the month. I do this after hours so it doesn’t interfere with the workflow.

FIFO NETWORKS
I provide small business tech support, by the hour, for companies that are too small to need a full-time IT person on staff. It’s not automated. I’m a real human being who checks the logs, pays attention, applies the fixes, and verifies the fixes work. I taught IT and Cybersecurity at a couple of colleges for 17 years. Let’s talk, and find out if I can help you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

How to handle QuickBooks Desktop updates without giving the users Administrator privilege level: a case study.

THE SCENARIO
A small business runs QB Desktop, not QB Online. The data files are on a local server. There are three computers in the server room for Remote Access. Each RA computer has QB installed. Employees can work from home a certain number of days per week. They remote into these computers and run QuickBooks from there.

THE PROBLEM
The remote workers don’t have Administrator privileges (of course). But... QuickBooks updates can’t be installed without Admin privileges. Periodically they get stuck and can’t work until someone logs into each RA computer and applies the QB updates. This wastes valuable time and occasionally puts deadlines at risk, like payroll.

THE SOLUTION
The business owner now pays me a monthly fee to login to each RA computer twice a month and apply all updates. I do this the first time shortly after “Patch Tuesday,” so I can apply all Microsoft updates at the same time. I do it again near the end of the month. I do this after hours so it doesn’t interfere with the workflow.

FIFO NETWORKS
I provide small business tech support, by the hour, for companies that are too small to need a full-time IT person on staff. It’s not automated. I’m a real human being who checks the logs, pays attention, applies the fixes, and verifies the fixes work. I taught IT and Cybersecurity at a couple of colleges for 17 years. Let’s talk, and find out if I can help you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

How to handle QuickBooks Desktop updates without giving the users Administrator privilege level: a case study.

THE SCENARIO
A small business runs QB Desktop, not QB Online. The data files are on a local server. There are three computers in the server room for Remote Access. Each RA computer has QB installed. Employees can work from home a certain number of days per week. They remote into these computers and run QuickBooks from there.

THE PROBLEM
The remote workers don’t have Administrator privileges (of course). But... QuickBooks updates can’t be installed without Admin privileges. Periodically they get stuck and can’t work until someone logs into each RA computer and applies the QB updates. This wastes valuable time and occasionally puts deadlines at risk, like payroll.

THE SOLUTION
The business owner now pays me a monthly fee to login to each RA computer twice a month and apply all updates. I do this the first time shortly after “Patch Tuesday,” so I can apply all Microsoft updates at the same time. I do it again near the end of the month. I do this after hours so it doesn’t interfere with the workflow.

FIFO NETWORKS
I provide small business tech support, by the hour, for companies that are too small to need a full-time IT person on staff. It’s not automated. I’m a real human being who checks the logs, pays attention, applies the fixes, and verifies the fixes work. I taught IT and Cybersecurity at a couple of colleges for 17 years. Let’s talk, and find out if I can help you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Over the weekend a man in Oregon called for tech support (I’m in Washington). “Bob, I can’t get my printer to work.”

I connected remotely to his computer while we talked on the phone. He’s running Windows 11 Home, 25H2. I opened “Printers & Scanners” to see what’s up. He has one printer, and it had an error message. I started from the beginning: downloaded and installed the current driver package directly from the HP website, power cycled the printer, and rebooted the computer.

I tested printing from “Printers & Scanners” with the normal test page, then tested from Microsoft Word – oops! – it’s coming up in fax mode! I set the printer as default and tested again. Then I asked the client to try printing something, whatever it was that he couldn’t print before he called me.

He opened Outlook, opened an attachment, and printed it. Success.

You see, a lot of this isn’t hard. They just need a friend.

He’s a residential client. I looked in my records, and he’s been a client since May of 2019. This was the eighth invoice in seven years. The last invoice before this was in October, 2024 – 21 months ago! But he remembers me, and when he does need help, I get the call.

THE LESSON
Repeat business matters. But you also need to have a large, dynamic, growing customer base, because everyone doesn’t need your help every month.

Does this seem insecure? Never knowing if, or when, a client will call back? No. It’s not insecure at all, if you build your client base.

The beauty of this business model is that no one person can ever fire you. No one can take away your income.

You’ve got to do the work, though, of providing consistently good service, and always be marketing. Continually be about the business of nurturing and growing your customer base.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Over the weekend a man in Oregon called for tech support (I’m in Washington). “Bob, I can’t get my printer to work.”

I connected remotely to his computer while we talked on the phone. He’s running Windows 11 Home, 25H2. I opened “Printers & Scanners” to see what’s up. He has one printer, and it had an error message. I started from the beginning: downloaded and installed the current driver package directly from the HP website, power cycled the printer, and rebooted the computer.

I tested printing from “Printers & Scanners” with the normal test page, then tested from Microsoft Word – oops! – it’s coming up in fax mode! I set the printer as default and tested again. Then I asked the client to try printing something, whatever it was that he couldn’t print before he called me.

He opened Outlook, opened an attachment, and printed it. Success.

You see, a lot of this isn’t hard. They just need a friend.

He’s a residential client. I looked in my records, and he’s been a client since May of 2019. This was the eighth invoice in seven years. The last invoice before this was in October, 2024 – 21 months ago! But he remembers me, and when he does need help, I get the call.

THE LESSON
Repeat business matters. But you also need to have a large, dynamic, growing customer base, because everyone doesn’t need your help every month.

Does this seem insecure? Never knowing if, or when, a client will call back? No. It’s not insecure at all, if you build your client base.

The beauty of this business model is that no one person can ever fire you. No one can take away your income.

You’ve got to do the work, though, of providing consistently good service, and always be marketing. Continually be about the business of nurturing and growing your customer base.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Over the weekend a man in Oregon called for tech support (I’m in Washington). “Bob, I can’t get my printer to work.”

I connected remotely to his computer while we talked on the phone. He’s running Windows 11 Home, 25H2. I opened “Printers & Scanners” to see what’s up. He has one printer, and it had an error message. I started from the beginning: downloaded and installed the current driver package directly from the HP website, power cycled the printer, and rebooted the computer.

I tested printing from “Printers & Scanners” with the normal test page, then tested from Microsoft Word – oops! – it’s coming up in fax mode! I set the printer as default and tested again. Then I asked the client to try printing something, whatever it was that he couldn’t print before he called me.

He opened Outlook, opened an attachment, and printed it. Success.

You see, a lot of this isn’t hard. They just need a friend.

He’s a residential client. I looked in my records, and he’s been a client since May of 2019. This was the eighth invoice in seven years. The last invoice before this was in October, 2024 – 21 months ago! But he remembers me, and when he does need help, I get the call.

THE LESSON
Repeat business matters. But you also need to have a large, dynamic, growing customer base, because everyone doesn’t need your help every month.

Does this seem insecure? Never knowing if, or when, a client will call back? No. It’s not insecure at all, if you build your client base.

The beauty of this business model is that no one person can ever fire you. No one can take away your income.

You’ve got to do the work, though, of providing consistently good service, and always be marketing. Continually be about the business of nurturing and growing your customer base.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Over the weekend a man in Oregon called for tech support (I’m in Washington). “Bob, I can’t get my printer to work.”

I connected remotely to his computer while we talked on the phone. He’s running Windows 11 Home, 25H2. I opened “Printers & Scanners” to see what’s up. He has one printer, and it had an error message. I started from the beginning: downloaded and installed the current driver package directly from the HP website, power cycled the printer, and rebooted the computer.

I tested printing from “Printers & Scanners” with the normal test page, then tested from Microsoft Word – oops! – it’s coming up in fax mode! I set the printer as default and tested again. Then I asked the client to try printing something, whatever it was that he couldn’t print before he called me.

He opened Outlook, opened an attachment, and printed it. Success.

You see, a lot of this isn’t hard. They just need a friend.

He’s a residential client. I looked in my records, and he’s been a client since May of 2019. This was the eighth invoice in seven years. The last invoice before this was in October, 2024 – 21 months ago! But he remembers me, and when he does need help, I get the call.

THE LESSON
Repeat business matters. But you also need to have a large, dynamic, growing customer base, because everyone doesn’t need your help every month.

Does this seem insecure? Never knowing if, or when, a client will call back? No. It’s not insecure at all, if you build your client base.

The beauty of this business model is that no one person can ever fire you. No one can take away your income.

You’ve got to do the work, though, of providing consistently good service, and always be marketing. Continually be about the business of nurturing and growing your customer base.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Over the weekend a man in Oregon called for tech support (I’m in Washington). “Bob, I can’t get my printer to work.”

I connected remotely to his computer while we talked on the phone. He’s running Windows 11 Home, 25H2. I opened “Printers & Scanners” to see what’s up. He has one printer, and it had an error message. I started from the beginning: downloaded and installed the current driver package directly from the HP website, power cycled the printer, and rebooted the computer.

I tested printing from “Printers & Scanners” with the normal test page, then tested from Microsoft Word – oops! – it’s coming up in fax mode! I set the printer as default and tested again. Then I asked the client to try printing something, whatever it was that he couldn’t print before he called me.

He opened Outlook, opened an attachment, and printed it. Success.

You see, a lot of this isn’t hard. They just need a friend.

He’s a residential client. I looked in my records, and he’s been a client since May of 2019. This was the eighth invoice in seven years. The last invoice before this was in October, 2024 – 21 months ago! But he remembers me, and when he does need help, I get the call.

THE LESSON
Repeat business matters. But you also need to have a large, dynamic, growing customer base, because everyone doesn’t need your help every month.

Does this seem insecure? Never knowing if, or when, a client will call back? No. It’s not insecure at all, if you build your client base.

The beauty of this business model is that no one person can ever fire you. No one can take away your income.

You’ve got to do the work, though, of providing consistently good service, and always be marketing. Continually be about the business of nurturing and growing your customer base.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk