Riverkeeper Ian Penrose at Andersons Creek

SURROUNDED by unsewered properties, Manningham’s Andersons and Mullum Mullum creeks have been listed among the unhealthiest urban waterways in Melbourne.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Stroke victim Meindert Whithoff, with his wife Jozica Kutin

RENOVATIONS to make a house livable for Warrandyte stroke victim Meindert Whithoff are in jeopardy despite overwhelming community support.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

CFA North West Metro Region Operations Officer Tony O'Day

IT MIGHT have been a trial run, but last Sunday’s large-scale CFA exercise in Warrandyte was based on actual events.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Roselillian Court resident Theodora McKail

Roselillian Court resident Theodora McKail said she was at her wit’s end after expensive and much-loved plants and fruit trees were destroyed.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Matthew Magilton with the 1934 MG NA Magnette

The six cylinder vehicle is one of only 738 built and has been owned by Warrandyte’s Walter Magilton since 1963.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Mullum Mullum Creek and Andersons Creek at Warrandyte

Rounding out Melbourne's five lowest water-quality waterways are Mullum Mullum Creek at Warrandyte, Plenty River at South Morang, and Andersons Creek at Warrandyte.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

More Warrandyte bus bays going

I can’t help feeling the removal of indented bus stops is simply rude and inconsiderate of other road users. I was travelling on a bus in Parker Street Templestowe when the doors of the bus would not work properly. The bus had to shut down multiple times and restart its systems. It took around 10 minutes until the driver decided to keep the front doors closed and only open the rear doors for passengers. The entire time the bus was blocking the traffic which would have been avoided had there been an indented bus stop.

 

Removing the indents keeps the buses in the flow of the traffic because they stop the flow of traffic for everyone else. In life if you’re blocking the way of others it is polite to get out of the way. Only 15% of Manningham residents regularly use buses which are now disadvantaging the other 85% of road users.

Removing indents which are still perfectly functional is simply a waste of tax payers money.

The single lane roads which travel through Warrandyte, when compounded with buses blocking traffic, will make travelling through the area tedious and may cause people to avoid the area, which may further affect struggling local businesses.

Make the roads better for everyone and there won’t be a problem with buses needing their own lanes or blocking other road users so they can keep to schedule.

Stops in front of and opposite Warrandyte Community Centre in Yarra St are having their indents removed by VicRoads and the Department of Transport to help on-road efficiency and keep buses in the flow of traffic.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Warrandyte's Sgt Keith Walker

AN ERA will end this month when Warrandyte’s Sgt Keith Walker finishes his 37-year career in the force.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Lachy Chapman from Warrandyte

Winner of the best dressed man was Lachy Chapman from Warrandyte.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Warrandyte Theatre Company's newest recruit Sean Entwistle will tackle three roles in the new production of Almost, Maine

WARRANDYTE Theatre Company’s latest play about love is inspiring passion in its performers.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Warrandyte musicians Lisa Young and Ben Robertson will showcase their fusion of jazz and South Indian vocal techniques at Manningham Music

MUSICIAN Lisa Young is bringing the signature singing styles of southern India to Manningham.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Warrandyte to miss out on fire refuge

A COMMUNITY fire refuge will not be built in high-risk Warrandyte during a pilot program because it already has a place of last resort.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

A member of The Pastel Palette painters' group Pauline McCutcheon

A member of The Pastel Palette painters’ group, the Warrandyte resident has forged a partnership with Aumann Family Orchard to exhibit works inspired by local surrounds.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Denise Walker is amazed with the contrasting landscape of Warrandyte and the Kimberleys.

A MOVE from Australia’s far northwest last year has proved a colour shock for Warrandyte artist Denise Walker.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Sculptor Justin Purser is one of the artists connecting with the natural world in an exhibition at Stonehouse Gallery.

The Stonehouse Gallery’s October exhibition, Inside Out, is featuring sculpture designed to interact with the landscape. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Warrandyte North wildlife demonstrator Xavier Morello

Warrandyte North wildlife demonstrator Xavier Morello says they are slimy and jelly-like - but sort of rigid.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Warrandyte resident confirms two attempts to purchase at Walmart using their credit card

One of the residents I know in Warrandyte mentioned they’d had two attempts by someone using their credit card at Walmart in the States. They’re now waiting for a replacement card which is inconvenient and means they have to contact businesses using direct debit. Not a good experience.

The resident had purchased items at Warrandyte IGA.

Please keep in mind this is not just happening at Warrandyte IGA but all over Australia. Similar incidents had occurred at McDonalds and McDonalds have since added greater physical security to their EFTPOS machines.

If a trader has an EFTPOS machine that is only connected via a single cable that can be easily removed, you should be careful. It is very easy for the device to be swapped with a device that can skim cards and no one is the wiser.

Do keep in mind that Warrandyte IGA is also a victim in this crime. It is easy to blame them but be tolerant. The criminals are very clever.

I’ve read that cards with chips are more secure than cards with magnetic stripes. I haven’t confirmed this. If in doubt you may wish to think about using cash, although that also opens up different risks.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au/3113

Pure people power topples phone tower

A SUSTAINED campaign against a phone tower in Warrandyte Reserve has ended in celebration after Manningham Council denied Vodafone a lease on the land.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Number plate recognition devices would be used in main thoroughfares

Acting Sergeant Shannon Elston, from the Nunawading Highway Patrol, said number plate recognition devices would be used in main thoroughfares such as Bulleen, Thompsons, Warrandyte and Doncaster roads.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

'Heartbreak' for Warrandyte IGA owner

When I read this article I felt for Ms Quinton. No one knows where the scammers hit so everyone is a bit on edge. Ms Quinton is a victim just as much as those having their credit card details stolen. If you’re concerned about using the credit card then think about using cash for a while until things calm down.

In the absence of information, Ms Quinton said people had “blacklisted” the business and abused her staff who had been reduced to tears.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Children's author Corinne Fenton will lead a lunch for writers at Warrandyte Cafe.

Warrandyte Neighbourhood House manager Karen Throssell said the program was a response to a significant amount of local talent.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

A brief summary of JustLocal for Templestowe residents and businesses.

I wanted to share with others in Templestowe what JustLocal is about. I’m a computer consultant with a large amount of expertise across a range of computer related disciplines. I find the best way to show others is by example.

What I did is what anyone with a small amount of assistance can do. The difference between myself and others is I assist people and charge for my time. I share my knowledge so people aren’t tied to myself or my services. My hope is that by looking after their interests they’ll appreciate the services I offer. I’ve found it to be an approach which works well because others don’t work that way.

To  explain JustLocal for residents and businesses in Templestowe, I decided to build a web page. For any business this is very easy to do. If you can design a single page brochure to promote your business, your brochure can be reproduced with minimal time and cost as a web site to let others in your area know your business exists.

In this case I decided to register the domain for www.Templestowe.biz, set up hosting space, point the domain at the hosting space, create a web page and then upload the web page. In a couple of hours the page was live on the internet. I literally just set this up and it is live within minutes. You should however wait usually 24 hours to make sure the domain has filtered through the internet.

I have a number of low cost approaches I can show people how to set up a presence on the internet. Some approaches they can maintain themselves with minimal technical skills. All that is required is some basic training and some support when required. Other approaches require a little more training and some software.

With some basic training and support you can literally have a web presence up within 24 hours and your only out-of-pocket cost could be the domain, which costs around $10-$30 a year depending on the domain you wish to use.

I’d encourage every small business to get a presence on the internet. It looks so much more professional to send out emails for a business using yourname@yourbusinessname.com (or .com.au) than yourname@gmail.com or yourname@hotmail.com. By using a domain every email you send out helps promote your business. I find people do check out your web site based on your email address.

A lot of people put thousands into a web presence and the only business that makes money is the web developer. I believe people should start small and as your investment generates business for you, then reinvest some of that money and evolve your presence.

If you don’t have a web presence and want something to get your started give me a call. My aim is to use my skills to help others cost effectively promote their business on the internet.

If you just wish to read a little more about JustLocal then visit www.Templestowe.biz.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you’re local require assistance with a web presence.

Doncaster's Aiden Holland is lucky to be alive after his car flipped.

Doncaster Sen-Constable Andrew Thomas said the pothole was responsible for Doncaster resident Aiden Holland, 19, losing control of and flipping his Nissan 300ZX about 11.45pm on September 14.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

THE CFA will offer free property assessments in high-risk bushfire areas during a six-week blitz

The team will focus on Nillumbik, particularly homes in Warrandyte North and Warrandyte, from October 3-November 12. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Warrandyte NSP Place of Last Resort, where people will be directed as a last resort in a bush fire.

I thought this article was interesting. I’m not sure what NSP means. Perhaps it means No Safe Place. But I don’t think acronyms or abbreviations should be used in this situation. The signs should be clear for anyone in the area or for those travelling through the area.

Residents say they're baffling. According to the local council, they were designed by the state government. According to the state government, they were designed by the local council.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

1400 IGA stores had their units checked but the Warrandyte IGA and two others in NSW were the only ones with known problems

The Warrandyte Supa IGA supermarket is among retailers caught up in the drama, and suspect Eftpos machines have been replaced as a precaution.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Federal Police investigating Walmart credit card scam in Melbourne

Warrandyte, in Melbourne's northeast, appears the centre of the data compromise scam, with many customers who used their card in the area discovering bills racked up at Walmart stores in the US.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Warrandyte IGA director Julie Quinton

Warrandyte IGA director Julie Quinton said the supermarket had its EFTPOS terminals upgraded and computer systems checked after customers expressed concerns their cards had been skimmed.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Milgate Primary School will stage the musical Dragon Girl at Warrandyte High School next week

Music teacher Jenny Batten said the musical Dragon Girl, written by Bushfire Press Productions, used a fantasy setting and its mystical inhabitants to convey lessons about facing and overcoming fear that could be applied to real life.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Jamie Ellis, from Warrandyte

Jamie Ellis, from Warrandyte, won the Wellington Livestock Junior Championship ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Shirley Rotherham, Iris Robinson and Gina Bevan-Jones turned heads as they wandered around Warrandyte in period garb

But dressed in replica 19th century clothing, members of the Warrandyte Historical Society and the Victorian Re-Enactment Society caused a stir during a visit to Warrandyte last week.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Platypus-spotting volunteer and Warrandyte resident Denise Illing

Denise Illing, of Warrandyte, who has been a spotter for three years, said she enjoyed sharing the excitement of seeing one of the “special” creatures.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Artur Muchow has been a member of the Friends of Warrandyte State Park for more than 12 years.

I JOINED Friends of Warrandyte State Park because I wanted to learn more about the flora and fauna in the area ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Pin board now added to Online Connections

When I walk into a local business I notice one thing, or should I say I generally notice one thing that is missing. A few businesses have a notice board where their customers can add their business card and that way the business helps their customers. I think that is a great idea. I also notice some businesses will help their customers by putting a few business cards on their counter. That way the business gives back to their customer that really doesn’t cost them much but generates a lot of good will.

Since I don’t have a counter or a wall for a noticeboard I can’t help my customers in this way, but I do have a web site and can provide a virtual pin board. Whilst my virtual pin board has been around for a while I decided to give it more prominence on my site. I’ve added Pin Board to the main menu and to the left side menu.

I’m happy to refer my customers to others. It is only because of them I have a business and I can support my family.

If you have a local business do think about helping your customers by helping to promote them. They’ll appreciate the help and it is good for business. If you only have a web site then consider doing what I’m doing. I do think the days where we help each other, rather than a business just providing products and services for profit, will become the norm rather than the exception.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you need assistance with your computer.

Warrandyte foster parent Kim Rea

Warrandyte foster parent Kim Rea recently cared for two 13-year-old boys for almost eight weeks. Mr Rea, who signed up to provide short-term respite, said the shortage puts extra pressure on volunteers and the children.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Warrandyte Vodafone phone tower zapped

PLANS for a phone tower at Warrandyte Reserve have been dealt a blow with Manningham Council officers recommending against leasing the proposed site to Vodafone.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Warrandyte orchardist Richard Aumann

Warrandyte orchardist Richard Aumann said he had lost at least 20 per cent of his stone fruit such as peaches, nectarines, cherries, apricots and plum to brown rot.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Local search using Google Custom Search no longer available from JustLocal pages

As part of a trial I added a local search feature to JustLocal where locals could search for products and services from local businesses. This isn’t required for JustLocal as JustLocal provides single click access from a postcode page to the site of the business.

The feature used the Google Custom Search but unfortunately I’ve found this service isn’t reliable enough and the results provided were inadequate, often not providing a business even though the business provided the product or service. I also found issues when adding sites.

I’ve decided rather than to continue to provide a search feature which I don’t feel is up to standard to remove the search option from JustLocal.

The aim of JustLocal is to provide a portal to quickly access the sites of local businesses. By doing this we promote the site of the local business, and the consumer or business using JustLocal to find products and services, obtains the latest information by going direct to the site of the business.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au
(An Online Connections service.)

Jenny John's ceramic chooks will be part of a farm animal-themed exhibition at Warrandyte's Stonehouse Gallery

Gallery director Jenny John said the exhibition Henhouse, on this month, would feature pottery, paintings and drawings focused on a farm theme.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Would you like the preferred Australian English spelling to be available for Microsoft Office?

If you’d like the preferred Australian English spelling to be made available as a spellcheck dictionary for Microsoft Office please make the effort to add your voice.

I’m currently in contact with Microsoft and to their credit, they are taking my request for assistance to make my work available with Microsoft Office and passing the request through their channels.

For Microsoft right now I’m a lone voice with a request. If you’d like my work to be available with Microsoft Office please help by adding your voice by making a comment on this blog post. I’ve tried this on a number of occasions over the last five years so this will be the last attempt at making the preferred Australian English spelling available to Australian Microsoft users. It is now or never so please make your voice heard.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

 

Need help setting up email on your mobile phone?

One of my clients wrote this to me.

I have an Iphone and can't work out how to get emails happening - is this something you could help me with? I have been back to Telstra shop but they are bloody hopeless.

Generally the people at the Telstra shop are sales people and their skill with technology will be quite varied. We can’t all be good at everything. In addition to work out how best to set up the iPhone, you need to first work out what options you have available. There services you are currently using will limit your options and I find people need a small amount of training to understand what can and can’t be done. Unfortunately every option currently available has a number of trade-offs and people are usually restricted in the options they can use based on their previous choices. The result is a compromise and people need to be aware of what the compromise entails.

I find it is much easier to help people set up the smart phone if they are present. Working with them over the telephone where you need to step them through the menus can be quite time consuming. In the case of this client I assisted them over the telephone and what I couldn’t see was the iPhone 4 suffers from the “death grip”, where if held in a certain way the signal strength drops considerably and connectivity can be intermittent or drop out completely, was making support more difficult. I’m happy to assist people with telephone support but generally it can be more time consuming and thus more expensive for some problems.

If you need assistance with setting up email on your mobile phone, tablet, or in fact any computer, I’m happy to assist.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if your need assistance with your computer.

Warrandyte High School science student Eliza Malerba

Year 8 students, Cassie Roberts and Eliza Malerba, and year 12 students, Raimon Barragans, Sean Anderson and Steven Lowry, will present their video on ABC television science program Catalyst next Thursday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

WARRANDYTE'S Troy Hagen

WARRANDYTE’S Troy Hagen spent a decade complaining to Telstra about his dicky telephone connection.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Anne Mihelakos set up a business based around her website

ANNE Mihelakos’s daily commute is shorter than most. She just walks from her bedroom down the hall to her home office.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

The largest recovery was $38,800 for a Warrandyte hospitality worker

A WARRANDYTE employer has been forced to cough up nearly $40,000 after underpaying an employee.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Warrandyte volunteer Bob Bird has been honoured with CFA life membership

WARRANDYTE CFA volunteer Bob Bird has seen some of Victoria’s worst natural disasters first-hand.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Ruby, 2, who has cerebral palsy, with her parents Jackie and James Francis and sister Lilli, 4

LIFE with cerebral palsy will be a challenge for Ruby Francis, but a new initiative will give her some much-needed help.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Everard Drive residents James Bonthorne, John Rogers and Robyn Bonthorne

BUS operator Panorama says it has no choice other than to continue running buses in a dangerously narrow Warrandyte street.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Easy low cost photo books

I recently produced a photo book of our holiday and couldn’t help feel that others may be interested in creating their own photo book.

The problem I’ve found in the past is the time involved in creating a photo book can be days, and if you have a lot of photos, you have to cut the number of photos back otherwise the photo book could easily cost $200.

I’ve now created an approach which enables me to automate creating a photo book from a large number (small number as well) so I can create the majority of the photo book in a few minutes and then dress the photo book up with the final touches. I produced a photo book containing 410 photos on 134 pages in under an hour for around the cost of a standard 20 page book.

If there is interest and I can find a way to make my program available to others I’d be happy to consider the options.

For example:

Would you be interested in attending a short course which would enable you to learn the software (it is very easy) and ask some questions?

Would you prefer a do-it-yourself approach with printed or web based instructions?

If you are interested let me know and if there is enough interest I’ll put something together.

For me the ability to put together quickly and at relatively low cost some photo books opens up some great possibilities.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for support if you have a computer related problem.  

20 laptops were taken from Warrandyte High School

More than 20 laptops were taken from Warrandyte High School during a break-in about 6.50am on August 14.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Benjamin Mitchell - The Last Great Day

WHEN Benjamin Grant Mitchell decided to write a novel based on his life, he had plenty of material to work with.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

WARRANDYTE parents Vincent and Debbie Van Der Zee are concerned a strict new dress code

WARRANDYTE parents Vincent and Debbie Van Der Zee are concerned a strict new dress code at Warrandyte Primary School could quash their children’s individuality.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Are you paranoid that your computer might be infected with malware?

If you’re paranoid that your computer might be infected with malware you probably have good cause. The problem is there are so many businesses out there, both legitimate and not legitimate, who try to change your computer without you quite realising what they’re doing or why.

It could be as simple as installing Acrobat Reader where you end up with the Google Toolbar installed. Acrobat most likely makes money by bundling Google’s Toolbar, Google gets to monitor the sites you visit which helps them make money from advertising and you’re computer just gets another piece of software installed it doesn’t need. That’s a legitimate business tactic although one I wish they didn’t use.

Next you have the site which changes your default search engine as I’ve seen with Firefox users. The search engine looks like Google but it isn’t. The site creates a front end to Google’s search engine so it makes money if you click on ads. You’ve been tricked and you’re browser has been hijacked. Because Firefox makes most of its income from Google, unlike Internet Explorer, where it is easy to change the default search engine, the average user will have difficulty removing this search engine and my logs show quite a few people reaching my site have been infected or tricked. You might just be starting to think the world is conspiring against you.

Then you have the malware writers. It can be as simple as visiting an infected site and your computer is infected. One person I know had their mortgage offset account cleared out of thirteen thousand dollars.

If you have shared computers and your children frequently search the internet (who doesn’t) then you run the risk of your computer being infected and often you won’t know it has occurred. The problem is if you then do things which require a username, password or pin number, that information could be recorded and sent to others without you knowing. To be quite frank, I advise all my family not to use any computer other than mine to do internet banking because I can’t be sure their computers haven’t been infected. I know they have in the past.

As a result of talking with a concerned client, I decided to investigate and see if there was a way to boot a computer from a CD and provide the user with a secure environment. As it turned out I was able to locate software used by American soldiers whilst overseas and can now make that software available to clients at a relatively low cost. The only tricky aspect is getting your computer to boot from the CD when a CD is present. This is a standard feature of most computers but isn’t generally known by the average users. Unfortunately changing the setting can vary from machine to machine, but once set up it works like a dream.

I can see a number of possible uses.

1. You want to do your internet banking and want to make sure you start your computer and know that even if it is infected, you’re session is secure. That’s exactly what the software can do. It doesn’t require anything from your hard disk and doesn’t update your computer. Every time you start the computer using the CD everything is clean.

2. Your children have infected your computer as a result of surfing the internet and that cost you a bucket of money to fix and you’d prefer not to go through that again. When your children want to surf the internet get them to boot their computer using the CD and they can surf the internet to their heart’s desire and even if they do comes across malware, only the current session is affected and once the computer is restarted the malware will be gone.

3. You own a business and don’t mind letting your staff surf the net or do their online banking during breaks but are concerned they could infect your computers, or worse, an infected computer clears out their bank account leaving you potentially liable. I’ve read this cost one business around $10,000 in legal fees. Give staff and CD and let them boot the computer. Your computer is safe and so are they.

4. You want to use a friend or relation’s computer whilst travelling to do internet banking. Yes. I’ve been there. The ANZ screwed up my automatic payments when I went overseas so I was forced to use a computer I didn’t know to make payments and it was really stressful. The secure boot CD would have given me peace of mind.

5. How many times have I had to fix a business computer after a staff member has worked on the weekend and brought in their child and the computer was used to occupy them. Yes. Very costly. Boot the computer with a secure boot disk and the computer can again be used to occupy children without concern or pressure they could do something wrong.

There are many uses for a secure boot disk. Clients are welcome to contact me if you’d like a secure boot disk. There is a small charge for the disk ($9.95 plus postage if required) but if you need support to set up your computer so it can boot from the CD, there would also be a small charge for the time involved.

For me this is a great opportunity for clients to minimise the risk associated with the internet. Nearly all malware infections now come from the internet. If you use a secure boot disk when accessing the internet the chances of infecting your computer are greatly reduced.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

   

Critical alert: Telephone call from scammer purporting to be from Service of Windows Operations James Stevenson. Issue: Illegal copy of Windows.

Only moments ago I received a call from a person called James Steveson who said they were from Service of Windows Operations a section of Microsoft. He informed me  they had detected an illegal copy of Windows on my computers. He wanted me to go on my computer. My computers are legitimately licensed so I knew immediately the caller was a scammer.

I asked for his telephone number so I could call him back. He provided an address of 75 Ressdale Street but I was not able to obtain any further information and I’d be certain this information isn’t legitimate. By asking for the a number to call them back on this would provide an ability to trace the caller. The caller knows this so hung up.

I reported the information to Optus (my telephone service provider) but it requires three calls for them to take action. There does not appear to be anything in place to protect consumers so each consumer has to effectively look after their own interests.

In this case the caller appeared to be using the telephone directory information to contact me.

Should you receive any unsolicited call from overseas letting you know you have a problem on your computer it is almost certainly a scammer.

Please take care.

 

Kelvin Eldridge

www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Local businesses need to start thinking of their customers as potential suppliers

When people ask me about JustLocal and what I’m doing, I have a couple of examples I share to highlight the issues I’ve found and if people start to think about them I’d like to change the situation a little.

I ask people do you refer others to businesses you’ve used and the answer is more often yes.

I then ask these questions.

Do you shop at the local businesses?

The answer is always yes.

Do they know you at the local businesses?

The answer is often yes.

Has a local business asked what you do?

The answer is always no.

Has a local business given you any business?

The answer is always no.

Why do I ask these questions. The reasons is simple. This is the same experience I’ve had. I regularly refer people to businesses I’ve used. I use the businesses regularly and say hello to the business owners. They never ask what I do and it has been 15 years since a local business that I purchase products and services from has given me any business.

Local businesses I have no doubt add valuable services and facilities to the community. But if the only purpose of a local business is to profit from the locals and then spend their profits elsewhere, what they are really doing long term is damaging the local community and not making it stronger. As people realise local businesses by their actions are only there to profit off the local community, the loyalty of locals will, if it hasn’t already, disappear, and people will see the best action for themselves is to look after themselves. Why not, everyone else appears to be.

To me this is a sad outcome. As a business I look at my customers as my potential suppliers. If I can pass on work or referrals to my customers and I believe it is appropriate and ethical to do so, then I’m happy to help those who help me.

To all local businesses I ask you to start asking your customers what they do and if they can provide a product or service you need then take a chance. Get a local to provide the product or service and if that local is one of your customers even better. You’ll not only help strengthen the local community but you’ll also build loyalty.

Kelvin Eldridge

http://www.justlocal.com.au/

Sam Hume honed his craft with cards to win Australia's Junior Close Up Magic Competition

WARRANDYTE’S Sam Hume has got magical talent in spades.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Should phone towers be built near childcare centres?

MANNINGHAM Council’s support for a Warrandyte phone tower has been labelled inconsistent after revelations plans for a Lower Templestowe childcare centre were quashed because of a similar tower.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

JustLocal search engines now cover surrounding postcodes

In order to make the JustLocal search engines for the postcodes covering Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Warrandyte, Eltham, Lower Plenty and Montmorency of great use to locals, the search engine for the postcode now includes businesses in the adjoining postcode areas.

What this means is those in Templestowe can now search from over 900 businesses making it easier to find products and services in Templestowe or the surrounding area.

It was felt the number of businesses we have been able to identify as having web sites in the area would not provide enough variety in the results returned for the search to be really useful. In addition we were asking people in an area to search up to seven different search engines and logically that will simply not happen.

Let us know how you go with the new approach.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Manningham parking fines double

Mr Molan said the main area where people were fined was around Manningham’s 45 primary and secondary schools at drop off and pick up times. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Jean Wighton

WARRANDYTE’S Jean Wighton celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her big, loving family.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Sandra had a terrifying tailgating experience with a truck in Warrandyte

SANDRA, who asked us not to publish her surname, let us know about a terrifying experience with a road bully last Tuesday when she was chased down Harris Gully Rd, Warrandyte.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Small businesses closing down. Don't be next.

I thought I’d share the following article which appeared on the News site. Whilst it is expected the a certain number of small businesses will close up each year, equally new business start up. In this article there is no mention of new businesses starting up, so if we factor new businesses in, to lose over 10,000 small business a year incredible, but what’s even more incredible is it understates the real number of businesses closing down.

SMALL shops are still badly wounded from the global financial crisis, with exclusive analysis for news.com.au showing that more than 30,000 of the most vulnerable small businesses disappeared between the 2007 and 2010 elections. ... Read More

 

If you read many of the comments on the article by people you would get the idea it is all the government’s fault. Yes there is too much red tape, yes we are over governed, yes people prefer to buy at large department stores, but ultimately we are businesses and we have to work out how to survive. No one asked us to start a business. It was our choice. Should we really be putting our hand out to government. I don’t think so. If we do the government simply needs to take the money off us in the first place and by the time it comes back to u,s it is a fraction of what they’ve collected.

To me one of the biggest problems for small business is being seen by people in their area and for locals to support the businesses. But equally how many small business give preference to locals to supply them with products and services. Certainly none of the local businesses in my area ever ask me what I do, or give me business. With that approach how can they expect any loyalty from locals. Most businesses simply take from their customers in the form of profits and rarely see their customers as potential suppliers. Personally I look at my customers as the first people I call if I want a service. I look for ways to refer business to my customers if I can. If more small businesses stopped just taking from the local community and actively looked for ways to spend their expense dollars locally I believe they’d make a huge difference.

As small businesses we only have ourselves to blame. Look for ways to help other locals with your purchasing power and you’ll get more loyalty from locals. If you don’t, your business may be the next business they’ll be looking to online stores to provide your product or service. Loyalty is a two way street. You can make it happen but not if you only take and don’t give back.

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Bus drivers' toilet-breaks delaying traffic

The removal of indented bus stops is a problem.

Recently on one bus trip into the city I was on the bus in Parker Street Templestowe. The front door did not close. The bus sat for around 10 minutes and some people left the bus to get on the following bus. The bus blocked all the traffic which would not have happened if the bus stop was indented. Given only 15% of Manningham residents use the buses regularly, it is hard to justify that 15% of the population is given preference over 85% of the population. The local road system should be designed to free up traffic, not further restrict as we’ve seen with the introduction of bus lanes and many roads reduced from two lanes to one. Better traffic flow would benefit everyone including buses.

BUS drivers are holding up traffic in a busy Warrandyte street while they use the toilet.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

MP Ryan Smith said the Budget had $800,000 for a sports hub

Warrandyte state Liberal MP Ryan Smith said the Budget had $800,000 for a sports hub in Warrandyte as part of the State Government Community Support Fund.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Rhonda Brian, 57, had promised Brian Quinton on his deathbed

A BOOKKEEPER who took advantage of a grieving widow and embezzled $165,500 from the Warrandyte IGA has walked free from court.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Pair rescued from Yarra River after doll mishap

TWO teenagers ended up clinging to trees in a swollen Yarra River after losing three inflatable dolls they were riding on in Warrandyte North yesterday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au