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Technology tips for 2007 January 2007
Here’s a toast to everyone out there. We hope you received all of the things that were on your holiday wish lists. In your New Year’s resolutions, be sure to include some for your computer. Whether your machine is the $500 Sunday driver or multi-thousand dollar screamer, you have a vested interest in keeping it in top condition. Here are a list of things you can resolve to do to experience a reliable and problem free computer environment in the coming year:
Back up your data. If you are a not doing a regularly, scheduled, back up of your personal or company’s important data, you are risking losing that data. You should back up your important data EVERY DAY. If you have a back up plan in place, add it to your calendar to run a test back up every month to make sure that the back up is backing up the correct data at the right time. You can also back up your data on a USB flash drive. It's the size of a key chain and can be plugged into any PC with a USB port.
Take steps to remove spyware/adware from your computer. Spyware/adware has become unavoidable. If you surf the internet, you have it on your computer. You can take some preventative measures. Ad-Aware, Spybot Search and Destroy and Windows Defender are the ONLY programs that will effectively remove spyware from your computer. Windows Defender has an added feature that will automatically keep your computer protected from these pest. The best thing about these programs is that they are free.
Keep your computer current. Take the time to get the latest security patches and upgrades for your business hardware and software. Windows XP Service Pack 2 is a very important (and safe) update. Printers may have new drivers and software may have security holes that need patching. Also, update your anti-virus software with the latest virus definition files each week – or set your software to automatically check for and download updates as they become available. new viruses are introduced to the internet daily so, be prepared.
Attend a seminar. If you want to get serious about your computer and the Internet you should consider taking a class. there are many offered ranging from the general and basic to the specific and advanced.
Keep your kids off your computer. Don't ever assume your kids are as savvy about computers and the Internet as you want them to be. For them, clicking things, playing with settings, and downloading those “neat” programs that probably contain viruses and spyware is part of learning how to use a computer. Unfortunately the results can be costly. If you can afford it, get a separate computer for the kids. Having their own computer means they are then responsible for any problems that appear on it (and prevents problems from occurring on yours). If you can't afford a new computer, then consider purchasing a used or refurbished computer.
Choose a new / better password: Odds are good that you have been using the same password for quite awhile now. odds are also good that your password is somehow based on your name, your child's name, your social security number, etc. now is a great time for you to resolve to use stronger passwords to protect yourself and your data.
Stop forwarding mail and use Blind Carbon Copy. Imagine what happens if I am a spammer and I get an email forwarded to me with all of the e-mail addresses exposed? Not only will I add all those emails to my database of email addresses to send junk email to, I could even probably sell it to other spammers! If you don’t like receiving junk / spam in your inbox, make sure you hide email addresses on the email you plan to forward.
Read, read and read some more: There is absolutely no shortage of resources to read that will help you learn more and broaden your horizons when it comes to computer and network security. Whether its simply visiting computer tips site on a regular basis or actually reading books on the subject.
Keeping up with your technology can, at first, seem a little daunting. But, if you handle it with an organized approach, your technology needs won’t be piled up waiting for you at the beginning of the year. And, the time you save can be spent on fun tasks.
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