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The Socket Connection |
June 2011 |
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Socket's 3rd Annual Coloring Contest Children can win great prizes through the end of June. Socket is proud to host its 3rd annual summer coloring contest, open to all Missouri kiddos between the ages of 3-11. Entrants will color in the outline of a storefront, decorating it like their favorite local business or even one of their own creation. The contest continues now through the end of June, and includes one grand prize and a first and second prize for age groups 3-7 and 8-11. Grand Prize - Winner's design put on t-shirts First Prize - Missouri State Fair tickets Second Prize - Ice cream party To enter to win, just complete these easy steps:
Check out photos from the contest and keep up with this year's winners on Socket's Facebook Page. Good luck!
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(c) 2011 Socket. All rights reserved.
Dear Techie: How do I use Wi-Fi safely?
These days, millions of Americans use their laptops or smartphones to tap into public wireless hotspots at local restaurants, coffee shops and libraries. This convenient feature allows travelers to check e-mail and visit websites on the road.
Unfortunately, cyber criminals are taking advantage of these conveniences, causing headaches for Wi-Fi users across the country. If successful, a hacker can capture unencrypted data as it is transmitted over a Wi-Fi network, including bank account usernames, credit card numbers or passwords.
To stay safe on public Wi-Fi networks, take a few general precautions:
- Use only encrypted Wi-Fi networks. Encryption scrambles data before it is transmitted, making a cyber-attack much less likely. If a wireless network is not encrypted, it is unsafe to transmit private information, even if the network is password-protected. Most computers and operating systems display a warning before connecting to an unencrypted wireless network.
- Identify the hotspot as "Public." Selecting this option causes a computer to use more secure network settings.
- Connect through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if possible. Many companies use VPNs to connect multiple offices or enable employees to connect to the office from home. They also encrypt data at one end and decrypt it at the receiving end, making a connection more secure.
- Verify the padlock symbol on a Web browser. This indicates a secure website and is especially important when connecting to sensitive services such as online banking or shopping websites. It is also important to not ignore warnings that indicate a possibly untrustworthy website.
Public Wi-Fi is here to stay, and security becomes more important with each new user. Most hotspots offer some level of protection; however, users are ultimately responsible for the safety of their own data. Use common sense and a good security software program to avoid becoming a victim.
Happy (and safe) surfing!
Michael Crowe, Technical Support
support@socket.net
Have a question for Dear Techie? Send it to editor@socket.net.
Socket Opens Free Internet Network for the Joplin Community
Joplin area residents and businesses affected by the May 22 tornado can dial in to Socket’s network to access the Internet free of charge to help connect to loved ones.
Any username and password will work when dialing to the Internet using Socket's local Joplin dial-up modem number: 417-206-9992.
If you have friends or family in the Joplin area that may benefit from this service, please spread the word. Victims can call Socket with any problems or if they need help setting up this connection. Contact Socket toll-free at 1-800-762-5383 or from Joplin at 417-572-0000.
Socketeers Get Involved
Socket employees also joined relief efforts, giving money and supplies for Joplin victims. A hot dog lunch was held, and donations were collected throughout the week. The company's owners graciously matched all employee donations, and a check for more than $1,200 was given to the United Way at the United for Joplin fundraising event on May 26.
"Socket treats its customers the way we would want to be treated," said Chris Hill, a Socket employee who helped with relief efforts. "Our neighbors in Joplin are no different, so we never gave a second thought to helping them."
To learn more about United for Joplin, including how you can help, visit www.uwheartmo.org. Socket is also accepting donations at its office at 2703 Clark Lane in Columbia.
World IPv6 Day - June 8
On Wednesday, June 8, many companies and organizations will participate in a test for the next generation of Internet Protocol (IP).
Due to the growth of the Internet and more Internet-capable devices, the number of available IP addresses under the current IPv4 system is quickly dwindling. A transition to IPv6 will be necessary in the future, but the effects of the change are not fully known.
Therefore, companies such as Facebook, Google and Yahoo have agreed to enable IPv6 on their websites for 24 hours on June 8. The trial period will help companies--and users of their sites--make necessary preparations before the transition occurs. If problems are experienced at participating websites, they should be corrected by the following day.
Internet users need not panic about the test day. In fact, Internet experts estimate that only 0.05% of users will experience problems. However, to be sure your computer is prepared simply:
- Run Windows Updates.
- Conduct a simple IPv6 test.
To learn more, you can also check out answers to Frequently Asked Questions about IPv6 and World IPv6 Day.
Socket at Summer Events
Socket continues to visit fairs and festivals this summer. Last month, we sponsored the Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament and the Coastal Electric Golf Tournament to benefit Woodhaven. We also interacted with local kids and their families at KMOS Kids Day in Columbia.
Socket also hosted its 3rd annual company fish fry on May 20. Employees and their families enjoyed an evening of good food, and even a little rain didn't put a damper on the fun!
We hope to see you at a local Missouri event soon. Here's where you can find us throughout June:
Moberly Railroad Days: June 11, Moberly
American Red Cross Blood Drive: June 14, Socket's office at 2703 Clark Lane in Columbia
Fulton Street Fair: June 17-18, Fulton
Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament: June 20, Jefferson City
Hope to see you there!
To learn more about Socket's community involvement and to view more pictures of Socketeers in action, visit www.socket.net/community.
 A local girl works on her entry for Socket's Coloring Contest at KMOS Kids Day on May 14. |
 Socketeer Kurt helps prepare fish for the 3rd annual company fish fry. |
Socketeer Spotlight: Allie Schomaker, Marketing Representative
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Allie Schomaker was chosen as Socket's You-Make-the-Difference-Award winner for May. Allie joined Socket's marketing team in June 2006 and handles projects such as customer communications, e-mail campaigns, newsletters (like this one) and more.
"Allie makes the difference because of her attitude and work ethic," said a co-worker who nominated Allie for the award. "She is always educating herself on how to be a better employee, leader and team-player."
Originally from Marceline, MO, Allie now lives in Columbia with her husband and their two-year-old daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and traveling throughout the Midwest to Kenny Chesney concerts.
When asked what she thought of winning Socket's You-Make-the-Difference award, Allie said, “There are so many hard-working and knowledgeable employees here at Socket. When they tell you you're making a positive impact, that's really gratifying."
Socket's You-Make-the-Difference Award is given monthly to the employee who best exemplifies Socket's Core Values and Beliefs. Recipients of the award are nominated and voted on by their peers. To view other winners, visit www.socket.net/ymtd.
Sites of the Month
Three great Web sites to check out in June:
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Heart of Missouri United Way (www.uwheartmo.org)
Support victims of the recent tornado in Joplin, MO, by making an online or text message donation. -
Farmers Market Search (http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets)
Find great locally grown food in your area by searching for a farmers market near you. This site also provides information on market directions, hours and accepted forms of payment. -
Man Tested Recipes (www.mantestedrecipes.com)
Honor Dad this Father's Day by cooking him a man-approved meal! This site features great recipes for food guys love, including an entire section on grilling.
Do you have a great Web site to share with others? Send it to editor@socket.net.
Contact Information, Comments and Suggestions
Contact us...
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Find us at:
2703 Clark Lane
Columbia, MO 65202 - Call us at 1-800-SOCKET-3 (1-800-762-5383)
- E-mail your billing and account questions to office@socket.net
- E-mail your technical questions to support@socket.net
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Mail your bill to:
P.O. Box 7716
Columbia, MO 65205 - Make payments online at www.socket.net/myaccount
- Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/socketinmo
- Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/socketinmo
We are listening...
- Fill out Socket's Customer Satisfaction Survey at www.socket.net/customer/survey.php.
- Do you have suggestions about how we can improve your experience with Socket? E-mail us at openears@socket.net.
- Have you had an exceptional experience with a technical support or customer service agent, or with Socket in general? Tell us about it at kudos@socket.net.
- What do you think about The Socket Connection? E-mail us at editor@socket.net.
- Read why others enjoy being a Socket residential customer at www.socket.net/testimonials or a Socket business client at www.socket.net/clients.
Some Helpful Links...
- View Socket packages for the home (www.socket.net/home) or business (www.socket.net/business)
- Use Socket's Customer Home Page for news, weather, account tools and more at www.socket.net/customer
- For technical support tips and tricks, visit www.socket.net/support
- Helpful step-by-step tutorial videos at www.socket.net/howto
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Disclaimer: This publication provides general information about the subject matter covered. Before acting on any information contained in this publication, please consult with one of Socket's technical or customer service representatives at 1-800-SOCKET-3 to determine its applicability to your particular situation.
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