Gizmo Guide - February, 2007 - Gizmo, Australia

The Gizmo Guide - February, 2007

Keeping your computer safe from online threats can be a difficult task. One of the best ways to keep your computer safe is as simple as creating a strong password.

To help you understand how to create a good password we’ve written an article where we explain how password breaking software works and suggest some steps you can take to create more secure passwords.

For those of you who have updated to Windows Vista, in this issue we will take you through importing photos from your digital camera as well as using Vista's built in Help & Support.

If you have Windows XP, don't despair - we haven't forgotten about you! Our next issue will have plenty more hints and tips to help you get more from Windows XP computers. In the meantime, there are more articles in our infocentre online at www.gizmo.com.au

The Gizmo Team

	Importing your digital photos using Windows Vista
	Creating secure passwords
	Using Vista's Help & Support
	An interview with Gizmo Customer Service Representative, John Darling.

Click here for more hints, tips and articles >

With so many of us owning and using digital cameras, knowing how to download your photos to your computer is really important. In this step-by-step article, we show you how.



	Download article: Importing photos from your digital camera in Windows Vista.

Creating a secure password is not as simple as using of the name of your first goldfish. Password cracking programs are getting more and more powerful and the best way to protect yourself is to understand how these programs work. In this article, we teach you how to invent yourself a more secure password than “Martha” the goldfish.



	Download article: Creating secure passwords

Windows Vista's built in help & support is a powerful tool. Learning how to use it is one of the most important steps you can take when getting acquainted with the new Vista operating system. Once you’ve learnt how to use “help”, you will have developed a valuable skill which you can use to find answers to any future questions you might have.



	Download article:Using Windows Vista's built in Help

This week we are on the couch with John Darling from the Gizmo National Support Centre.

What is your role at Gizmo?

I am a Customer Service Representative, or CSR as we are known. I guess we are “phone jockeys” – we take and make calls and are the first port of call for Gizmo customers and mobile techs who are out and about.

What attracted you to the IT industry?

I have always had an affinity for computers. I’m into computer games, so I am always getting the latest hardware and devices. Playing games really forces you to learn about the latest and greatest gizmos and gadgets so getting involved in the IT industry was a given for me.

What are your five favourite websites and why?

www.overclockers.com.au – The best computer enthusiast web site in Australia
www.smh.com.au or www.theage.com.au – Not just for the headlines, but also for blogs and multimedia content.
www.ausgamers.com.au – Australian gamers only need apply. The best downloads and latest gamer news from Australia.
www.youtube.com – If you haven't heard about this web site then you should definitely check it out.
www.wikipedia.org – This is the one web site that seems to know everything (even through some of it is not all that accurate). Google anything and one of the search results will be a Wikipedia page. Guaranteed.

What do you never leave home without?

My Sony Eriksson k800i mobile phone

What is your dream holiday destination?

Canada, Japan or New Zealand :) I have also spent a little time in Tasmania and I love it down there.

What are your interests outside work?

Video games – both the computer and console based varieties. I also enjoy reading and writing. I used to play the cello but since I moved to the city (I’m originally from Thirlemere, NSW) I haven’t had much of a chance. I also have a stamp collection, but unfortunately that sits collecting dust at my parents place. When I feel the need, I do a bit of walking and running to keep fit.

Finish this sentence. Working at Gizmo is…?

Definitely a learning experience for me! It also takes up some of my gaming time which is a pity, but we have regular gaming parties to make up for valuable lost time.