One thing about computers, not only do they get faster and carry more memory, but newer computers do not always “play nice” with files from another. Sometimes it is the operating system, other times it is the software itself. Sometimes, it is both. Once again, the broadcast engineer is asked to do something […]

Software “features” are sometimes among the most frustrating roadblocks to getting things done. David Bialik has a neat way to eliminate one annoying roadblock. It has happened to most of us. You need your PC and it starts doing updates, telling you to wait and not turn it off. A couple of restarts […]

For most of us, ransomware is just something we read about – an IT issue, more or less, at most an inconvenience for a short time. Perhaps worthy of a sigh. Or a mild chuckle. We might even feel bad for the company hit, but it most likely did not affect us. Is […]

Computer security covers a lot of areas. We need to protect ourselves, personally, from hackers and websites trying to push malware and ransomware on us. Have you ever noticed a sudden surge in spam coming to your email inbox? Or, how about an email from someone claiming to know your password – even […]

It is not a matter of a couple of computers, most stations have dozens of interconnected computers and departments. For that reason, as more and more instances of ransomware happen, stations are giving more attention to ways to harden security on the LAN. Any broadcast engineer or IT person who does not live […]

Periodically, the BDR takes note of some of the publicized hacking episodes, especially at radio stations, to alert everyone of the dangers from malware, especially ransomware, and bad actors. Things in the IT world definitely are getting more dangerous. In many ways, the Internet is what people used to call “the Wild West,” […]

In 2013, a self-styled security consultant told the national media a story about vulnerable EAS receivers – and that we are in danger of more “Zombie Alerts.” Is that true? More importantly, are there even more pressing issues that deserve our attention? It was quite a startling wake-up call: a half dozen stations […]

For most of us, email is still a vital method of communication and information sharing. However, over the years, email has become problematic in a number of ways, from spam to “missing” emails. What are useful solutions? Email is not what is used to be. When I opened my email this morning, there […]

Email these days is, like your phone, plagued by marketers and scammers. Finding ways to overcome the problems is not hard. Some ideas? Steve Tuzeneu has a few. I expect when you read that headline you thought, “Huh? I don’t think so.” Nevertheless, whatever you are thinking, you and your station may be […]

Keeping your computer files secure, yet available, is essentially a balancing act. Here are some tips for keeping your system safe and secure from all sorts of problems. Not so long ago a friend died rather suddenly. Among the many problems with which his family had to contend: only he knew the passwords […]