Monthly Archives: December 2011

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Computer!

December 30, 2011 By in Cyber Safety, F-secure, Frontier Communications 1 Comment

It’s that time of the year again. Everyone is deciding on their New Year’s Resolutions! From losing to weight, to working out and quitting smoking, resolutions run the gamut. Instead of telling you the top resolutions, we’ve compiled a list of resolutions, not for you, but for your computer!

  1. Update Passwords. It may sound simple, but when was the last time you actually updated your passwords?  If you change your passwords frequently the chances of someone hacking your account significantly decreases!
  2. Check Privacy Settings. Believe it or not privacy settings are not just for Facebook and Twitter! Make sure to check all of your privacy settings for ALL the services you use. And don’t forget to use the feature that allows you to see how your profile looks to the general public!
  3. Back Up Your Harddrive. In this fast-paced technology-savy generation, you most likely store your life on your computer. What would you do if you suddenly lost all of your files? You’d probably be devastated. Between hardware failure and data corruption, keeping a backup of your important files should be a top priority in 2012.
  4. Update Contact Information. While we don’t encourage you to reveal any personal information over the Internet – from your work address, home address, phone number, etc. – this is a good time to update information on your online banking profile or other secure accounts.
  5. Stay Up-to-Date. Update the latest versions on your operating systems, installed applications and anti-virus/security software. Neglecting to do so leaves you open to data-loss and other issues. (Source Nos. 1-5)
  6. If You Put it on the Internet, it’s There for Good. Once you put something on the Internet it stays there – virtually forever. Before you give away information over the net, take a minute to read the fine print and see what the site is going to do with it. Sure, reading the legal information is tedious, but it could be something you regret not doing later. In general, use this motto – Think Twice, Post Once. (Source)

And did we mention that Frontier offers PC Security for up to 3 computers in our Frontier Secure package? Frontier Secure is a holistic backup and security solution, designed to protect you from losing your data while maximizing your protections against computer viruses, malware, and spyware.

Tips for Easy & Painless Returns

December 26, 2011 By in Holidays Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

The holidays may be over, but chances are you’ll still find long lines at most of your favorite retailers. Why? Because everyone is trying to return those unwanted items or duplicate gifts!

Returning or exchanging gifts can be a hassle, but this checklist may help you to avoid a few extra gray hairs this holiday season. Here is our holiday return checklist:

  1. Be Patient. Remember that the holidays are stressful for everyone! Try to stay calm and be patient with the salesperson and others in line. Tip: Wait a few days after the holidays to make returns as the lines will be shorter.
  2. Have a Plan. If you are going to venture out and make some returns, it’s a wise idea to map out your day and the stops you need to make. Make sure you have everything with you to ensure a speedy process (i.e. all receipts and original packaging).
  3. Know the Store’s Return & Exchange Policy. Most store’s print their return policies on the back of the receipt, but if you’re unsure, look up the policy online or call ahead. Make sure you know if your item falls within the return/exchange policy window, which can vary anywhere from 30-90 days depending on the store and item type, and some items may be even be non-returnable! Here are some links to Best Buy, Target, and Macy’s official policies.
  4. Beware of Restocking Fees. Many retailers will charge a restocking fee for certain items, make sure to double check that yours doesn’t!
  5. Have the Receipt. By bringing along the original (or gift) receipt you will have a much easier time of returning the item. Without the receipt sometimes the store may only give you a store or partial credit, or they may not accept the return at all.

If you are unable to return or exchange your item, don’t forget that you can always re-gift or sell the item on eBay!

Tired of malls, crowds and traffic? Try a Holiday Weekend Movie Marathon!

December 23, 2011 By in TumTiki Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Top Holiday Movies

Holidays are a time to spend with friends and family, bonding over sugar cookies and hot chocolate while sitting by the fire and sharing memories.  After catching up with loved ones, bellies full of good food, what is better than sitting down on the couch to enjoy a festive holiday movie? Well, we’ve got some great news for you!  Not only can you rent, buy or live stream these movies from TumTiki.com, but we’ve given you our top 10 holiday movie picks! So here they are (in no particular order):

- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

It’s the Griswold family… what’s not to love? The perfect family: mom, dad, one son, one daughter, and a lovely house in the ‘burbs.  It’s perfect – until you add in trying to celebrate the “most fun-filled old fashioned family Christmas,” complete with the in-laws…

- Miracle on 34th Street

Need proof that Santa exists? Look no further than Miracle on 34th Street where the Macy’s department store Santa, Kriss Kringle, proves he’s the real deal!

- A Christmas Carol

This movie isn’t a thriller, but it is narrated by Vincent Price, who just happens to be the chilling voice in Michael Jackson’s Thriller! This literary favorite is brought to life in this black & white version production.  So join along and hear the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. And you can watch it for free right here.

- It’s a Wonderful Life

A man who seemingly has everything going against him takes a step back to look at his life and realizes that he is really blessed even though things don’t always go right. Just remember, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!

- A Christmas Story

All little Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB Gun, and although his mother, his teacher, and even a Mall Santa are seemingly conspiring against him by telling him that he’ll just “shoot his eye out,” Ralphie persists in his campaign for his ultimate Christmas gift.

- The Santa Clause

S.C. – does that stand for Scott Calvin or Santa Claus? If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Santa fell off your roof while delivering gifts on Christmas Eve, this movie has all the answers.

- Elf

If you consider the main food groups to be candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup, then this is the movie for you! This family-friendly Christmas movie will have everyone laughing out loud!

- How the Grinch Stole Christmas

There are two versions to this holiday classic, and you can’t go wrong with either of them!  Choose from the 2000 release starring Jim Carrey or the 1966 animated version.

- A Charlie Brown Christmas

Who doesn’t love a story with a boy and his dog? In this Charles Schultz animated Christmas Classic you can watch a heartwarming tale which has become a tradition for so many! And don’t forget, now you can have your very own Charlie Brown Christmas tree!

What Do You Think?

Do you agree with our list of Holiday favorites? Do you think we left any out?

Welcome to the New Blog!

December 19, 2011 By in West Region News Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Welcome to the new and improved Frontier Conversations blog!

If you’ve visited our Frontier Communications West Region blog over the last week you may have noticed some changes. We’ve completely reinvented our blog so that YOU, our reader, will be able to interact with us more!

Better blog navigation

Along the top you’ll find our page menu. If you’d like to learn more about Frontier Communications West Region and our mission, you’ll find that information in the “About” section. If you need to contact us for any reason, we’ve got a page for that too. And, in “West Region News” you can find important press releases from us.

More connections to you

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook! We want you to be a part of the conversation too! Now our blog is automatically connected to our Facebook and Twitter feeds, which you can find on the right hand side of the screen.

And that’s not all…

We’ve made it super easy for you to share our blog posts on your favorite social networking sites! You’ll find our share buttons along the bottom of each post that link you up to Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and more!

Subscribe and enjoy!

And remember to subscribe to our blog for the latest in local events around Washington, Oregon, and California. We’ll be bringing you up to speed with the latest from Frontier.

We hope you’ll join in our conversations about technology and local engagement in our West Region communities, and don’t forget to let us know what you think about our new blog look!

Winner of Pick Your Bowl Game Announced

December 16, 2011 By in Contest, Pick Your Bowl Game, Washington Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

Congratulations to Sami Spaulding of Tigard, Ore., winner of the Frontier “Pick Your Bowl Game” contest! All residents of Oregon and Washington, ages 18 and over, were eligible to enter the contest via Frontier’s website http://www.frontierPacificNW.com between 10/3/11 and 12/5/11. A random drawing determined the winner.

Spaulding will receive a trip for two to the College Football Bowl Game of her choice. Airfare, hotel, and tickets for two are provided, courtesy of Frontier Communications.

“This is incredible! I’m a huge college sports fan, so don’t worry, you’re not wasting the opportunity on a girl that doesn’t care!” Spalding exclaimed. She has decided to take her Father on the trip, who is another football fanatic. “I surprised him with a bouquet of balloons and said, pack your bags Dad,” said Spalding.

What bowl game did the Spauldings select? They will be going to the BCS National Championship Game in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, La. where on 1/9/12 they will see LSU take on Alabama.

Sami Spaulding, pictured with Oregon’s Senior Vice President, Ken Gaffga.

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