Facebook lockdown: Many of us use Facebook on a regular basis. It may be for professional or work-related purposes. We may be excited about interacting with a large network of friends. Other may use Facebook begrudgingly; we use it to communicate with certain people because there is no better way.

Part of the problem with managing privacy settings on Facebook over the years is that the options have changed on a regular basis. Let’s face it. Facebook is a business and they can generate more ad revenue when there is more interaction. On the flip side, they provide a “valuable” service at no cost. I think it is imperative that we button down our Facebook accounts as much as possible.

This recent guide from nationally syndicated radio host Kim Komando will help you do just that.
http://www.komando.com/tips/12299/step-by-step-guide-to-lock-down-your-facebook-profile/all

Facebook Messenger: If you use Facebook on an Android or iOS device, you probably know that in the past 6 to 8 months you have been required to use a separate app to send messages through Facebook. This app is referred to as Messenger or Facebook Messenger. The main Facebook app only allows you to view your friends timeline (wall) posts, see photos, and manage account settings. Be very careful when you install the Messenger app. It will ask you for your phone number. Do not give it! The Facebook Messenger app will also ask for permission to manage all text messages on your phone. This is not a requirement. Avoid giving Facebook anymore access than is absolutely necessary. The best way to use the Facebook Messenger app is to log in with your Facebook user name (email) and password. Do not get involved with the cell phone number option.

Radio Shack: RIP. Radio Shack filed for bankruptcy last week. Today, they released the list of nearly 2000 stores that will be closing. I would not be surprised if all of the stores closed by year’s end. Over the past several years, Radio Shack has become nothing more than a multi-carrier cell phone store. Sprint is rumored to want some of the Radio Shack locations; some reports have claimed that Amazon will also bid on a portion of the stores. I got my first personal computer in 1993. At that time Radio Shack was a major seller of personal computers in the U.S. For years they promoted their own Tandy brand and later carried the Compaq brand. We ended up ordering our computer directly from Gateway, but I have purchased many computer and electronics accessories from them over the years. I can think of numerous examples where Radio Shack has helped me while doing a job for a customer. Computer parts have gone bad and the unexpected need for a cable or adapter arose. In early 2013, I needed a USB cable for an external hard drive on a job that I took back to my home office. This hard drive did not use the normal USB 2.0 cable that had been the standard for 10 years. It required a USB 3.0 cable. At the time, these cables were hard to find at a local store. The fact that it was a Saturday night made the situation worse. The local Radio Shack bailed me out. Although the cable was $30, I was able to get the job done.

These days I typically get accessories and peripherals from stores like Best Buy or WalMart, depending on the proximity to my jobs. If I know in advance, I will order the items online.