By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk
Bismarck Tribune

@NorthDakota North Dakota Tourism
Frequent promoter of North Dakota businesses and organizations on Travel Tuesdays #TT and Follow Fridays #FF

@BSCedu Bismarck State
Master of hashtags and retweets emphasizing #military, #energy and workforce training programs

@Scheels Scheels All Sports
Sports news and trivia as well as contests and incentives

@WDChevy West Dakota Chevy
Automobile news as well as daily giveaways and frequent contest promotions

@NDStateFair NDStateFair
Regularly interacts with followers via retweets and replies

Facebook

North Dakota National Guard
Government Organization
5,559 people like this
Updated with constant stream of photos, videos and news releases; regular interaction from fans on Facebook

Papa’s Pumpkin Patch and Papa’s Polar Patch
Public Places & Attractions
4,278 people like this
468 were here
Seasonal updater of photos during Pumpkin Patch and Polar Patch events. Dave “Papa” Pearce will be speaking on social media at an upcoming meeting of the Great Plains International Association of Business Communicators.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Public Services
414 people like this
Uses Facebook to communicate with employees and 135 member co-ops across 9 states

Mor-Gran-Sou Electric
Public Services
600 people like this
During the April 2010 ice storm, Basin Electric co-op member Mor-Gan-Sou Electric used Facebook to update customers on power outage progress and help area residents obtain generators.

Punch Neapolitan Pizza
Restaurant/Café
16,527 peope like this
This Twin Cities pizza chain could offer a master class in viral marketing via Facebook. Periodic coupons offered only through Facebook spread like fire among followers in the know.

In addition, wide usage of mobile devices increases the possibility of virus infection and provides a new gateway to hackers and malicious codes in spam mails and websites around the Internet. Introduction to voice messaging services also provides a new medium for virus infection and hacking of personal data.

“Cell phones and laptops are revolutionizing the way we communicate in today’s society,” says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “It is imperative to protect your personal information when taking advantage of this wonderful, innovative technology.”

Here are some top recommendations to help protect yourself and ensure a secure online experience in the world of social networking:

* Don’t accept pop-ups or prompts for software, unless you’re armed with Web scanner software which checks each site for infections prior to access.

* Don’t provide, post, or submit any confidential personal data (e.g. banking details, medical records, full birth dates, home town, birth place, social security number,etc.). Social networking sites don’t require this sort of information to join.

* Do change your password at least once a month. Don’t change it if you’re prompted to. This could be a malicious link.

* Avoid letting friends, peers, co-workers or staff access their social networks on your computer, and don’t sign into your networks on their machines. Others could introduce infections to your computer through unsafe practices, or your login security could be compromised via cookies saved on your computer.

* Never auto save your password information, and clear your history at least once a week.

* It’s not smart to accept friend requests or request friends who you personally do not know – even if they are mutual friends of others you know.

* Talk online about your vacation, whereabouts, etc. after you’ve returned home, not before you leave. Otherwise, it can be an invitation to thieves to stop by your house while you are away.

* Frequently check your privacy settings. Changes in the website/social network may delete your settings, without you knowing. Understand and maintain your desired level of privacy.

* Mobile apps are extremely popular. Find out if companies you are a customer of provide applications for you to use that are secure, such as claims or policy information with your insurance company.

* Take the time to learn how to use social network sites effectively. Each site has information on privacy settings and “how tos.” Many sites help you with details on things such as setting up a variety of friends lists with varying privacy settings and avoiding relationship pitfalls, such as www.allfacebook.com.

* Parents need to be mindful of children’s activity and protect computer systems from predators.

* Be mindful of what you say when responding or posting on your Facebook “wall.” Remember, anything you say will will be seen by all friends and those out of your control when commenting on a friends wall.

* Don’t share files on your laptop or mobile device. When you connect at a wireless hotspot, anything that you are sharing on your computer or device may be shared with anyone else connected to that network. Disable the file and printer sharing feature or pick the correct network type on your laptop or mobile device.

* Secure sites are best. Always look for the https:// and/or padlock symbol on your browser. Most browsers also allow you to hover over the site name to be sure that it is a verified web service.

* Restrict what you do on Wi-Fi. Don’t do anything on Wi-Fi that you wouldn’t want to share with anyone else.

Online or in-store, always get the best price
Savvy shoppers know to do their window shopping online, using the power of the Internet to find the best values. By browsing online, you get an idea of current prices and deals at a variety of retailers without the hassle of driving from store to store. You can even get great deals and exclusive offers sent to you by signing up for retailer e-mails and becoming a fan of brands on Facebook.

If you decide to buy online, often you can find additional value by taking advantage of free shipping, instant discounts and complimentary gift wrapping. Check out websites like RetailMeNot.com for coupon and discount codes for hundreds of retailers. Also, you can save time and money by having gifts shipped directly to recipients, eliminating lengthy shipping lines.

However, if you prefer to touch and feel a product before you buy, consider this often overlooked fact about getting the best price: many brick-and-mortar retailers will price-match a deal you found online. For example, some electronics stores will match their own online prices, and some stores will price-match items from other retailers. Be sure to use your knowledge of prices from the Web to snag the best value.

Maximize rewards and incentives
If you have a credit card with rewards, you may be able to redeem them for gift cards or other must-have items. Notable is Discover card’s redemption program, which actually allows customers to redeem their rewards – known as Cashback Bonus – for more than face value by selecting gift cards from hundreds of retailer partners. For instance, you could redeem $20 in Discover’s CashBack Bonus for a $25 Sears gift card.

Some stores provide free gift cards for purchases that exceed a certain amount, which are to be used toward a future purchase after the holidays. These smaller value gift cards are great for stocking-stuffers or as gifts for service providers like your mail carrier or hair stylist.

Accessories are essential
Most tech toys are ready to use straight from the box, but the right accessories can make all the difference. When you buy a tech item to give as a gift, accessories can ensure instant usability and enjoyment. They make great stocking stuffers and can make you the hero of the holidays. Here are a few popular suggestions:
* Mp3 player – downloadable music gift card; portable speakers; protective case.
* Digital camera – extra memory card; back-up battery; travel tripod.
* Laptop – wireless mouse; portable flash drive; carrying case.
* Gaming system – extra batteries; strategy guides; storage case.

Protect your purchase with a warranty
There’s nothing more frustrating than making a purchase, especially a gift, and needing to repair or replace it within the first year. In fact, more than 20 percent of electronics fail within three to four years of purchase which is why buying a warranty can be a smart idea. However, not all warranties are created equal; doing a little research before signing the paperwork can make a big difference.

An extended warranty may make the most sense, but many offered at the point-of-sale can be expensive and give you little time to carefully consider what makes the most sense. Recently, Discover card recognized a need to provide cardmembers with an alternative. Using their Discover card, cardmembers can buy a SquareTrade warranty up to 90 days after making the purchase. And, the warranty company claims to maintain a price point that is up to 70 percent less than other warranties, making it a great deal, in a no-pressure situation.

Armed with this information, you should be well-prepared to navigate the aisles, find the best values and ensure years of enjoyment from your electronic gifts.

Packed with features like e-mail, calendars, task lists and access to a wide variety of informational and entertaining mobile apps, a smartphone can serve as your all-in-one source for summer fun. Close to one in five U.S. adult mobile phone subscribers uses a smartphone, according to a Forrester survey conducted near the end of 2009, but are they taking advantage of all the perks? Here are some ideas for how you can stay organized, connected and entertained this summer:

On vacation:

* Explore new places with a GPS-enabled smartphone, like the BlackBerry Pearl. Map a route that hits key attractions and gets you to your hotel without getting lost. Not sure where to stop next? You can search a local guide and get turn-by-turn directions. You can also take GPS beyond the car with outdoor mapping apps that help you navigate hikes and walks.

* Don’t risk losing small pieces of paper when you can store everything on your smartphone. Use the memo pad to save packing lists, important hotel information and confirmation numbers.

* Avoid hearing “are we there yet?” on your next road trip by loading your smartphone with music, videos and games for the kids before you go.

* With apps like Facebook for BlackBerry, you can keep your friends and family up to date on your latest vacation adventure by uploading pictures directly from your smartphone.

* Pack light by making the most of all the features your smartphone has to offer. Why carry a camera and media player when most smartphones have both built in?

Around town:

* Use your smartphone’s calendar to juggle schedules anywhere, and set reminders so you don’t miss anything. If you need more help keeping track of what’s on your plate, use the task manager to organize activities.

* Not sure whether to bring the SPF 15 or SPF 45 when heading for a swim? Download a weather app to check the UV index. If clouds start rolling in while the kids are swimming, grab your BlackBerry smartphone to see if the weather app is flashing a thunderstorm warning. If so, come up with plan B – check the local movie schedule on your smartphone’s web browser.

* Use instant messaging applications to quickly get in touch from anywhere. Effortlessly organize a group play date by adding all your child’s friends’ parents to a BlackBerry Messenger group – this will let you communicate with everyone at once.

* Plan a great staycation with guides like buzzd and Poynt, which can help you discover fun new destinations in your area.

Thinking of upgrading to a smartphone? Look for one with a long battery life, so you can be on the go longer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

So get organized this spring, and make sure you add all your digital devices to the list. Here are some tips for tackling a digital spring cleaning:

* Start with your computer, because you might be surprised at how much faster it processes information when it’s organized. De-clutter your e-mail inbox by sorting e-mails into folders or deleting messages you don’t need any longer. You might discover communications you forgot to respond to, or work that you put on your “later” list that really needs to get done immediately. Also, run a defragmenting software program for the hard drive and remove any unwanted items from your desktop so you can find everything quickly and easily.

* Switch out the old batteries in all your small electronics. Restock your pantry with batteries to get prepared for power needs that usually come up at a moment’s notice. Look for Duracell’s  AA and AAA battery packs that now offer 20 percent more batteries for the same price. Some of the electronic items you can replace batteries in include your digital camera, remote controls, alarm clocks, flashlights, toys and pagers. By changing out all the used batteries with fresh ones, you can guarantee that these electronic items you rely on will be ready to go when you need them.

* Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Your family’s safety is very important and you rely on these two detectors to alert everyone in a time of emergency. Fire departments across the country recommend replacing batteries in detectors when you change your clock for Daylight Savings Time. “A working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector is the simplest way to protect yourself and your family from a fire,” says Nicholas Scoppetta, commissioner of the New York Fire Department.

* Combine your digital spring cleaning with your regular organization of receipts, tax records, car repair receipts and anything else you would file in a cabinet. Scan in documents you need to keep and save them to your hard drive as well as to a back-up  external memory drive, such as a Duracell  Flash memory card or USB Flash Drive. This system allows you to shrink your storage needs while maintaining easy access.

With a digitally clean house, you are making your life a little more organized while also staying prepared for any technical emergencies that might arise. So get your cleaning going now, and enjoy your clutter-free house. Visit www.duracell.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

With endless gift ideas to choose from, coming up with your shopping game plan for this holiday season can be quite a daunting task, but there are tons of resources online that can help you narrow down your search. Need a place to start? Office Depot’s Top 30 Smart Gifts is a list of the “must-have” smart gift items to help busy holiday shoppers find that perfect gift this season. The list features the hottest products combined with extraordinary savings. Here are the season’s top gift ideas to consider when you are shopping this holiday:

* The HP Mini Netbook: The perfect mobile companion for the traveler, this netbook boasts an extra long battery life so you can remain connected while on the road. The HP Mini Netbook also comes with the new Windows 7 operating system pre-installed.

* Flip Video Ultra HD Camcorder: Don’t miss capturing any of your holiday memories. Record up to 120 minutes of video with the push of a button and easily upload your videos via the built-in USB adaptor.

* Sony Pocket Reader: With the Sony Pocket Reader, you can read your books electronically and store up to 350 of your favorite titles at a time. Perfect to take along while waiting in an airport or on that long flight.

* Ativa 7″ Digital Frame: Available exclusively at Office Depot for less than $40, this frame allows your loved ones to display their memories and is a perfect gift for family, friends or business associates. Preload it with some photos to make a truly personalized statement.

* Tom Tom 5″ GPS: Don’t be late to the holiday party this year because of bad directions. The Tom Tom 5″ GPS System plans the fastest routes based on traffic patterns, all with a new, larger display screen.

* Ed Hardy Faceplates for iPhone: Perfect for the teens on your list that are all about fashion, nothing makes more of a statement than Ed Hardy. Select from five Ed Hardy-designed faceplates manufactured to fit perfectly with an iPhone.

* For a practical last-minute tech gift, consider an Ativa 4 GB Fashion USB Flash Drive from Office Depot which can be used for anything from school to business work. It also makes for a great stocking stuffer.

Find out about all these gifts and more online at www.Top30SmartGifts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Vampires may be hot right now in the entertainment world, but “vampire power” – the slow, invisible energy drain caused by leaving electric devices plugged in – simply sucks.

Every electrical item you leave plugged in, from your home computer to your high-def, flat-screen TV, draws power even while it’s turned off. This “vampire power” drain adds up, costing consumers about $10 billion a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Reducing Vampire Power in your home is an easy way to do your part, both helping the environment and reducing your family’s carbon footprint – plus it could save you 10 percent of your family’s electric bill, according to the Intrusive Residential Standby Report.

Vampire power – or “standby power” – refers to the power many electric and electronic items draw while in “stand by” mode, when they are plugged in, but not turned on. Virtually every item you plug in draws some standby power, but major electronic items like PCs and TVs are the biggest power-sucking culprits.

You can reduce vampire power drain with a few simple steps:

* Buy ENERGY STAR rated products. These products are designed to not only use less power when operating, but to draw less standby power as well. Items ranging from dishwashers to laptops carry the rating. Log on to www.ENERGYSTAR.gov to learn more about the product rating program.

* Don’t leave your laptop, cell phone, iPod or other chargers plugged into the wall outlet. Even these innocent-seeming cords draw vampire power. Instead, plug chargers into a product designed to halt vampire power, like the iGo Laptop Charger. The device uses up to 85 percent less power than standard chargers and you never have to turn it on or off. You can purchase a range of adapters that allows you to use the charger with virtually any electronic device that requires one. Visit www.iGo.com to learn more about this product.

* Streamline the number of devices you have to plug into the wall. Like most of us, you probably can’t live without your PC or DVR and need to leave it plugged in. But do you really need a TV in every room of the house and three game consoles – one for each kid? Reducing the number of devices in your home will reduce the amount of standby power you use and possibly help you to streamline your life a bit.

* Unplug your appliances when they are not in use. And when it’s not practical to unplug some devices, like the PC, Wii game system or flat screen TV, you can keep them plugged in using a power management device that halts vampire power, like the iGo Power Smart Tower. With an instant wake-up button and four always-on outlets, the iGo Power Smart Tower ensures that you’ll always have power for your devices as soon as you need it without wasting energy.

To learn more about vampire power, how it impacts the environment and consumers’ wallets as well as additional tips to minimize its effect, visit www.VampirePowerSucks.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

With cybercrime on the rise, recent research shows that 62 percent of moms are just as worried about their teenagers’ online safety as they are about drunk driving. But parents don’t need to worry. Experts at computer security company McAfee have some simple ways to keep kids safe online so parents can have peace of mind.

There’s no free lunch: avoid online “freebies”

Teach your kids to stay away from free downloads like screensavers, surveys and online club registrations. Many of these “freebies,” like games and wallpaper, include hidden spyware and adware programs. These can monitor keystrokes, track Internet logins and transmit confidential information. Educate your kids on safe searching habits and avoiding “free” screensavers, games and wallpaper. Let them know if it’s free, chances are it will cost you.

Lock your valuables: protect against viruses and malware

Some e-mails contain harmful software that can damage your computer or track your Internet activities – all without you knowing. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software as well as a two-way firewall will protect you from inadvertently accepting unwanted files attached to e-mails. The security software scans all communications into your computer, while a firewall protects both the inbound and outbound connection to your computer. A firewall is crucial if you have a broadband or DSL connection that leaves your computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day.

Hall monitors needed: be aware of all online activities

Help your kids be responsible online by blocking inappropriate sites and preventing risky online activity. The recently released McAfee Family Protection software can act as a “cheat sheet” for parents to monitor their kids’ online and can block inappropriate content, prevent cyber bullying and stop risky interactions on social networking sites. The software also gives you the ability to track online activities, and then use the data to teach your kids safe Internet habits.

Show and tell: educate kids on proper online behavior

As with any academic subject, it’s important to educate your children on potential Internet dangers. From keeping personal information private to downloading safely, keeping up a continuous dialogue with you children about their activities online can help prevent a risky situation. For tips on keeping your computer and kids safe, please visit www.mcafee.com/advice.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Browsing the Web is the single most popular activity on the PC

(ARA) – In this day and age, we all have to be careful about how we share information online. Browsing the Web is the single most popular activity on the PC — with both the time people spend on the Web and the range of things they can do continuing to grow. With social networking sites, online shopping, and online banking becoming more common and convenient, the risk of fraud or identity theft continues to grow. This kind of activity is on the rise every year.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t surf safely online. Quite the contrary, you just need to follow a few simple guidelines to protect yourself and your family and create a safe and enjoyable experience. And given that June marks Internet Safety Month, it’s a good time to think about how best to educate yourself and your loved ones on both the risks out there, and the simple ways to prevent them.

“Consumers really need to be proactive in the fight against cyber crime. Staying safe online is a combination of using the latest and greatest security software tools and exercising good judgment and common sense,” says Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance.

In honor of Internet Safety Month, here are eight tips to help keep you, your family and your personal information safe online:

1. Manage your e-mail inbox. Delete unwanted and unsolicited email and don’t open e-mails from people you don’t know. Be cautious about unusual e-mail from people you do know. Some cyber criminals use software to make an e-mail look like it comes from an official organization (like your bank) or someone you know.

2. Always think before you click and treat links and attachments in e-mail and instant messaging with caution. Download files only from sites you know and trust and never open an attachment from someone you don’t know. These can contain viruses and malware that can cause your computer to break down or is an attempt to steal personal information. If in doubt, delete it.

3. Use extreme caution when working on a public computer; Do not save your log in information, always log out of Web sites by clicking “log out” on the site (even if you are just stepping away for a few minutes), and never enter sensitive or personal information on a public computer.

4. Be sure your firewall is turned on. A firewall is an electronic fence that helps protect your PC from hackers that may try to steal sensitive information. To turn on your firewall, simply click the start button and open the control panel. Follow the security link and then click ‘Turn Windows Firewall on or off.’

5. Protect personal information by using strong passwords. Make sure they are lengthy and incorporate letters, numbers and symbols.

6. When shopping online, be a savvy consumer. Conduct online research to find out what others have to say about their customer satisfaction. Be wary of companies that don’t provide any contact information, including a physical mailing address and telephone number.

7. The best way to protect yourself is to keep your security software, operating system and browser up-to-date with automatic updates and practice safe online behavior.

8. New security, privacy and reliability features tools in Internet Explorer 8 can provide you with a more secure Internet experience. It’s worth considering downloading it for free. Internet Explorer 8 puts you in control of your safety and privacy online and helps protect you from new threats online.

For more information, please visit www.microsoft.com/ie8 or the National Cyber Security Alliance at www.StaySafeOnline.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

According to a recent survey conducted by Microsoft, 60 percent of those polled say their online lives sometimes feel more disorganized than their physical lives.

Crystal Hornsby, a construction project engineer from Vancouver, Wash., is feeling the need to get digitally organized this year. “I have two mobile phones, two e-mail accounts, hundreds of digital pictures, separate online calendars for work and home, and I’m an active Twitter, MySpace and Facebook user,” she says.

Hornsby’s experience is far from unique. According to a Pew Internet & American Life Project study from Dec. 2008, the share of adult Internet users who have a profile on at least one social networking site has more than quadrupled in the past four years from 8 percent to 35 percent.

Lorie Marrero, certified professional organizer, author and founder of ClutterDiet.com, thinks there’s still hope for people like Crystal who feel overwhelmed by their online lives and the idea of organizing it all.

“Our kids, jobs and shrinking budgets give us plenty to juggle in our offline lives. Now, with so many people using various online services, it’s no wonder that many are overwhelmed at the prospect of getting digitally organized too,” she says. “Although it can be daunting, it’s a necessary step toward gaining the extra free time we crave, and finally feeling in control of our lives — both on and offline.”

To get even the most scattered computer user started on the road to freedom from digital clutter, Marrero recommends five easy tips that can help make your digital life seem more manageable:

1. Organize Your Online Activities
Have too many social networking and online accounts to keep track of? Consolidate online activities in one place with Windows Live. Partnerships with popular sites — including Facebook, Twitter and Flickr — allow you to aggregate activities from these third-party sites — such as digital photos, tweets and status updates — into your Windows Live ‘What’s New’ feed, so you can easily share content with the people in your network from one site.

2. Unclutter Your Desktop
Treat your desktop as you would the top of your actual desk and keep only active files and shortcuts there for convenience. Use your My Documents folders for more lasting storage. Clean off unnecessary shortcuts that clutter the screen.

3. Get Your Files in Order
After you get your desktop sparkling clean, take a look through your folders. Can you consolidate? Are there old files you can remove, or drafts that are no longer relevant? Remember, your time is valuable and storage space is plentiful, so archiving to a folder or external storage space is usually a better use of time than wading through lots of old documents.

4. Time for Your Inbox to Drop a Few Pounds
Do you really need those attachments in an e-mail? Save your large files to an online storage drive like Windows Live SkyDrive, which offers 25 GB of free storage. Easily upload videos, photos and files, and share them with whomever you’d like — without overloading their inboxes.

5. Optimize Your Computer’s Performance
For greater efficiency and to avoid the heartache of technical problems, remember to update and run important utilities like spyware and virus scans and defragment your hard drive periodically.

“After a week or two of following these five simple tips, you may find that you have a bit more time to finally go for that run, or play outside with the kids,” says Marrero. “I tell my clients that the key is to ensure that your computer and online services work for you as productivity tools, instead of creating more clutter and hassle in your life.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent