Now that the latest Samsung smartphone and phablet have hit the market, Apple will follow up with their annual update next Wednesday. In addition to new smartphones, the bigger announcement is likely to be a new Apple TV - their candidate for your home network "hub" as you enter (they hope) into the wonderful world of the Connected Home.

What's a movie worth? If a picture is worth a thousand words a YouTube video must be worth at least a million. So in the interest of making your life more fulfilling, I'm providing links to my three most recent YouTube videos. These were all live recordings. Enjoy - feedback and questions encouraged here.
1-The Internet of things - It's everywhere but what is it?
2-iPad Tips and Tricks - You've learned the basics, now see how to use it like a pro.
3-Mobile Payment Systems - They're here now and much safer than your 1980's era credit card.

I always appreciate comments of any sort about this publication. To address the only real complaint I get - it's too darned long! - I try from time to time to publish longer pieces on my blog and link to them here - hope this helps. As you can tell I haven't adapted well to the 140 character world! (PS - If you missed last month's issue, click here for another copy.)
            Gary

Criminals exploiting Windows 10
upgrade process
Security researchers are warning about a wave of bogus spam emails with malicious attachments, labeled as if they're legitimate copies of the new program.

The attachments contain a "ransomware" (see  below) program that can lock all the data on a computer. Researchers at Cisco Systems say the emails are designed to look like an official upgrade notice from Microsoft. . . An important clue: Microsoft says its update mechanism provides computer owners with a notice on their screens - not via email - when a direct Internet download is available.

An important message for anyone who shops!
In exactly thirty days the rules and procedures for using credit cards are going to change and the sooner you know what to expect, the better. Chip and Pin (also called EMV) cards are replacing magnetic stripe credit card technology for most merchants. October 1st is the magic date when responsibility for fraud shifts from the banks to the stores so the front line clerk could be operating with a new set of rules and equipment.

An embedded computer Chip (shown above) is read instead of the magnetic stripe (which will remain on most cards for some time.) The PIN is a four digit code stored in that chip; you must key it in to prove the card belongs to you - the only one who should know the PIN. This is not related to using Apple Pay or Android Pay - this is meant for ordinary shoppers who've been using ordinary credit cards for years.

While the official kick-off is October 1st, the pain will be prolonged since hundreds of millions of credit cards are being replaced and the card readers will also need to be upgraded. Hardware and software aside, just think how many check out clerks will need to learn the systems in coming years. I say "systems" since there are many approaches being taken by different groups. Quite bluntly, it ain't gonna' be a pretty sight! Watch this pace - more to come - actually much, much more! If you want to show off a little, just ask a friend what dramatic change will begin October 1st and then look at them with disdain when they don't know.