Tech Talk with Bob

You rely on your computer every day to perform multiple tasks; some of which involve transmitting your confidential information over the internet. Online banking, staying in touch with your child’s school, working remotely, paying bills, reviewing the results of your most recent blood test, monitoring and managing your investment accounts, preparing and filing your taxes, even the simple act of ordering a pizza using your credit card. Each of these basic tasks, that most of us do every day is a potential security exploit.

I am willing to bet that you are the type of person who is smart enough to wear a seatbelt while driving. That’s because you know that even though you are a safe and considerate driver, you are still at the mercy of the less considerate drivers or those who are not as vigilant as you. You know you need to protect yourself while driving and you know that you need to protect yourself while online, navigating your digital world. Now I know you might be thinking, “Bob, I’m pretty sure my computer is safe. We haven’t had any problems. I’ve been using such and such software from the store where I bought the computer,” or “the tech-savvy neighbor kid put something on my computer for me.” If you are doing any of the financial or medical transactions I mentioned earlier, you don’t you want to be “pretty sure” your computer is safe --- you want to be “certain” it is squeaky-clean! Some of my long-time clients who manage online banking and investment accounts that have balances from thousands to millions of dollars were “pretty sure” their computers were safe too. Every one of these folks was shocked when my cybersecurity team discovered their systems still had security exploits.

OK, time for some tough love. If you do anything online of a financial or medical nature, you need to stop procrastinating and be proactive about securing your system. I know that performing deep scans on your computer system is a time-consuming process. Many people do not have the knowledge, resources, and most of all the patience to properly execute a thorough scan. The completion time of these scans have taken a few hours to a few days thanks to the many variables involved: the storage capacity of the hard drive, the number of files on the hard drive, the number of threats discovered on the hard drive, just to name a few. In addition to the automated scans we perform, my team also manually inspects critical areas of your system for threats that are not typically discovered by anti-malware software.

A lot of the more popularly known and usually all the FREE anti-malware usually complete their scans in 30 minutes or less, which can be very appealing. No one wants to wait for a long scan. But let’s be realistic, you’re not ordering a pizza; you’re protecting the device that holds the keys to your digital world. My cybersecurity team performs a through security scan of your computer “so you know for certain” whether your system is clean or not. Since these security scans have taken from hours to days to complete, to be fair, I only charge one hour of bench time to perform these scans. Whether your scan takes a few hours or 30 hours, your only obligation is our onehour bench fee. Once my cybersecurity team completes your scan, I will personally review the results with you. If you require any additional work, I will discuss your options and costs. I want you to have all the facts regarding your computer’s security health so you can make a well-informed decision based on what solution best serves you.

In observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which happens to be October, I challenge you to “know for certain” whether your computer is in order security-wise. Starting right now and through the end of October I will do a security scan of your computer on my bench for only $99.00. Yes, for less than the cost of a onehour service appointment, my team will assess the security of your computer! Even if you think your computer is secure, I still challenge you to have my team check it. If I find that your system is squeakyclean, YOUR SCAN IS FREE! If we don’t find any potential threats on your computer, I won’t charge you the $99. If I do find something on your computer, then at least you get a meticulous, timeconsuming, supervised by professionals, security scan of your system for only 99 bucks.

Never forget, cyber criminals will exploit the easy victims and unprotected systems. Whether you are a business or non-profit who keeps records about clients, customers, prospects, employees, vendors, sales, budgets, inventories… you get the idea. It is your responsibility to protect your personal network, your computer’s operation, and your data. Even a home user who may keep records about club members, kids’ sports leagues, volunteer work, or just filing your income taxes on your home computer is a target.

Are you certain your computer is safe? You don’t have to do this alone my Friend. My staff and I are here to keep your computer safer and keep it running. We have the best solutions already in place and we’re only a phone call away. Call us anytime at 727-5344000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades.

We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!

“BergHOFF” story continued from page 1 South America, Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 2006, Ray and Deborah wanted to create a showroom where they could meet with the companies that bought and sold BergHOFF products. However, as they did so, they were surprised to find local residence knocking on the door asking if they could come in and buy BergHOFF products directly. While this had never been done before, on November 26, 2006 they opened the doors and welcomed our first customers. Over 8,000 customers have enjoyed the opportunity to purchase some of the best culinary products, at a buy direct price.

BergHOFF sells cookware, knives, portable induction cooktops, porcelain, flatware, cook’s tools, ovenware & bakeware, outdoor Kamado Grills, Tabletop BBQ & accessories. Made of only the finest materials, BergHOFF spends a lot of time creating energy efficient products, as their cookware is induction ready, long lasting products.

BergHOFF store is a fantastic place to shop and save, whether you are looking for a knife set, some pots & pans or perhaps the perfect gift for the chef in your life. One of the most important features of the store is the ability for customers to look, touch and feel the products and we believe in customer service. We are here to help you choose the right products to match your needs, per the store manager, Candace Powers.

It is the spirit of all things culinary that touts BergHOFF’s international acclaim and numerous design awards. Over the years BergHOFF has won close to 100 of the most prestigious design awards. ( will send you the logos of the awards and you can place them here.)

BergHOFF is a proud sponsor of JCAA, Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy at Tarpon Springs High School.

The brand new Liquidation Center, opened a year ago, offering Outdoor Products, Grills, BBQ Accessories and many

more items they have promoted thru the years at amazing prices. Collector Swarovski pieces at 40% OFF, exercise machines (popular at physical therapy locations) at a discounted price, designer ladies handbags & jewelry and so much more. Stop in, look twice, never miss out on great deals located in the same building just a different entrance.

Buy Smart…Buy Quality at Great Prices.

BergHOFF is located at 11063 SR 54 (between Little Rd & Gunn Hwy in Odessa) just minutes from East Lake. BergHOFF is open to the public TuesdaySaturday 10am to 5pm, closed Sundays and Mondays and Holidays.

For more information email us at store@ berghoffusa.com or call us at 727 853 3373. For the Liquidation Store, call 727 853 3371.

If you are not able to visit our Store & Liquidation center, visit their website: shopberghoff.com.

JACOBSON CULINARY ARTS ACADEMY AT TARPON SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL Triathlon Cookies

• 4 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 2 teaspoons kosher salt • 3½ cups rolled old fashion oats (not instant) • 16 ounces of unsalted butter, room temperature • 2 cups granulated sugar • 2 cups light brown sugar • 4 eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla • 2 cups of mixed dried cranberries, raisins, cherries, or currants • 1 cup of walnuts chopped fine • 1 cup whole pecans, walnuts, and sliced almonds Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside. With a mixer, cream butter until soft and smooth, add sugars and continue to mix together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla. Add sifted dry ingredients, oats, and mix until incorporated Add cranberries, raisins, cherries, or currants, chopped walnuts, and whole walnuts, pecans, and sliced almonds. Scoop dough on sheet pan according to size of cookie wanted; using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350° on a baking sheet, until lightly golden. Cool on rack and enjoy!