Simple Tips for PC/Laptop/Mobile Protection


Digital life is fast becoming important to us; it seems more like a daily routine that we cannot live without. Keeping this in mind have you ever wondered about potential online threats and hacking attacks that are eminent. Taking control of the security of your gadgets is essential. Listed here are a few simple tips that will help you secure your mobile devices.
Use PIN protection on your mobile devices
We all are familiar with mobile computing but often you might forget to secure your Smartphones and tablets. This is where you are exposed to the threat of data theft and hacking. At any point if your device is stolen then you are in a pickle. It is essential to protect your gadget with PIN protection. This will ensure that accessing your device will require to enter PIN. You need to turn on this feature by going to Settings app and turning it on by providing a passcode.
Install an anti-theft app on your mobile devices
It often happens that you might lose your device or it is stolen. At times like these you are likely to face threat of hacking and data theft. Apart from setting a PIN you need a more robust security. You can install an anti-theft app on your device to help recover it if stolen or misplaced. Installing such an app will help you to remotely locate your device in case it is stolen. An alert tone or siren will help find you; also you will be able to remotely wipe off your data if you are not able to recover your device. if you are an Android user you can install software like Lookout Mobile Security, for iOS user you can download free software by the name of My iPhone.
In the similar way you also need to protect your laptop against any theft. Installing an anti-theft solution is the way to protect it. In case of theft you will be able to locate it remotely through its Wi-Fi position and location of IP address as soon as it is connected to the internet. There are some advanced anti-theft software that enable in remotely controlling the web cam and even the monitor of your laptop to help locate the thief. You can opt for a solution like Lojack that is compatible with Windows as well as OS X. Additionally, software like GadgetTrak and Prey are worth the try. Some laptops have inbuilt feature within BIOS that enable in locating the device even after the data is wiped of clean or hard drive is replaced.
Perform PC security checks
Keeping a regular check upon your PC is essential to ensure that it is safe. For this purpose you need to get in touch with a technical expert who will help you with the check. You will get the advantage of updating your Flash, Adobe and Java updates along with latest plug ins for Web browser. A professional service will help you with regular security patch updates and help detect weak or vulnerable security points. However, one thing that you can do at your end is to install robust anti-virus software to help with receiving regular system updates.
Encrypt Your HDD and USB
Encrypting your laptop is yet another option to keep it safe and secure. You need to encrypt your hard drive to ensure that your data is secure. This way even in case of theft your data cannot be tampered with via connecting it to another laptop. No one will be able to access your files. Even after removing the password or cracking the Windows code your data will still be secured.
A USB is yet another essential storage device that you need to take utmost care of it. You can either encrypt it yourself by entering a password or purchase an encrypted USB Drive. However, remember to choose 256-bit AES encryption. Another thing that you need to keep in mind is to purchase an FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification or higher than it.
Other Quick Tips
Following are some of the quick tips to keep in mind:
• Make it a habit of taking an online backup either through an online storage provider or an anti virus provider.
• You can even opt for a two -way firewall. This will block any illegal access through network as well as through internet connection. You can opt for Comodo, Norton, McAfee or ZoneAlarm.
• Choose a service like OpenDNS that will help block adult and mature content online along with malware and virus attack.
• Encrypting your Wi-Fi network is essential to stop illegal access and hacking. seek a professional service in this regard to help you with Wi-Fi Protect Access.
Alicia Portman is a technology writer in Qresolve, who loves discussing various new emerging technological trend in computer and mobile technology. She is an avid tech-geek and a gadget freak who also writes how to's on virus removal, tablet support articles and computer support self-help blogs. Her inputs on antivirus support and online tech support are helpful and easy to apply.
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Connecting a Laptop to a TV - Know Your Connections


There are many ways that anybody can connect their laptop to their television these days. With most TV's being manufactured to include HDMI, DVI and S-Video cable connections, the problem most people find in learning how to connect their laptop to their TV is simply understanding which cable method to choose. And sometimes, using a VGA to TV transmitter can simplify this process. So, in order to simplify this process for you, here are a few basic methods for connecting your laptop computer to your television screen to allow you to see your computer work through a bigger picture.
HDMI Connection
High-Definition Multimedia Interface or (HDMI) is the best video and audio connection possible in today's marketplace for connecting a laptop to a HDMI capable television. This type of connection is only possible if you have a HDTV capable television. If you have a standard definition TV, this option is not available to you. But, not commonly known is that your laptop must also be HDMI capable as well in order to transmit this type of signal to your HDTV. For the most part, HDMI cables tend to be more expensive than most connections - but the quality is far superior. If you have a USB cable, then using a USB to HDMI connection is possible.
DVI Connection
Another popular connection is Digital Video Interface or DVI for short. However, just like the above connection, this option is only available for HDTV and Laptops that provide HDTV capability. One of the drawbacks of this type of connection is that audio tends to be drawn out unless you use a dedicated audio connection cable.
VGA Connection
Video Graphics Array or VGA is the most popular method of connecting a laptop to television. Just like the above DVI, a VGA connection does not transmit audio with the video connection - so you need to use a dedicated audio connection or VGA to TV transmitter to ensure the quality does not suffer.
S-Video Connection
Another popular way to connect a laptop to TV is by using an S-Video connection port. This provides moderate video quality, but like the above requires a dedicated audio line be connected to the television. S-video cables don't work too well with HDTV units, so it is advised that anybody who wants to have a better connection should use a USB to HDMI connector instead.
Once you've determined what type of connection will work best for your particular needs, the next step is to make sure that you properly connect each wire to the appropriate areas. For TV's, you'll want to make sure to select the video and audio input channels, such as Video 1, or DVD, S-Video, and other potential input areas that will show up on the screen.
If you're looking for great pricing on some of the best VGA to TV transmitters or USB to HDMI connectors, a wonderful online source is HDWise.com. With a huge selection of top-rated audio / visual equipment supplies in stock, finding the right equipment to power your laptop to TV connection is a snap.
(c) HDWise.com
Like HDwise.com on Facebook to get an additional discount.
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How To Pick Out High Speed Scanner

By Louis Valdez


Several devices allow greater ease in executing various tasks. One may be able to do more with less effort in less time because of different advances in technology. Several of the things allowing more security and organization have become easy to acquire. One needs only to select which ones to use as there really are a lot to choose from. A durable high speed scanner will be ideal to have in possession.

You can then store copies of digital files from various documents for them to be secure and kept in order. You can back up your paperwork. You can then note where files go and even so for the hard copies. Your work would be easier and mess would be lessened when retrieving them. You just do a simple search through your PC and you can have the information handy. You also can save digitized copies of your old photos.

Each type of these High Speed Scanner differ in abilities. One has to look for what would really fit the needs that he has. For tasks that are more demanding, high speed scanners are a much better choice. An important consideration is the color depth. This would be the number of colors possible in it. A higher color depth would mean better image quality for the scanned item. When it is intended to scan some photographs or projects which are detailed, 48 bits would be a good number to start on.

It is important to determine the purpose for a given device. This would help to facilitate search and selection. Different devices have different specifications as well as features which offer different capabilities. All these helps achieve goals for tasks given.

How well images are captured should also be looked into. Optical scan resolution is the consideration to make for this. This is the actual pixel number provided when an image is scanned. High resolution yields high image quality. Components that contribute to this is the lens, display and recording components. The environment also plays a role to the quality of the detail in an image. Most office applications would suffice with 300 dots per inch but if photos are worked on, at least 600 dpi would be best.

Sheet-fed scanners would be ideal as they can handle larger volumes for every minute. This also is capable of automatic scanning. There are different capacities for document feeders and you need to note how much you usually need to work on so you get what is best for your tasks. You can simply leave documents at the feeder and come back for it once done. This eases your work and saves you time.

There also is a choice between duplex and simplex scanning. If the documents usually are single sided, a simplex scanner may be chosen. If they commonly are two sided, the ideal choice would be the duplex scanner as it can scan documents through a single pass saving time and effort.

You also need to consider scan speed, supported media size and energy efficiency. You will save more time and effort through it. You also have higher productivity with lower costs.

High speed scanner facilitates work. One can then accomplish more tasks. They are accomplish securely, orderly and efficiently.




About the Author:

For the current info on a document scanner, click on the links found at http://www.documentsystemsdirect.ca now.


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Advantages of Free Video Chat Rooms


Chatting online gives you the opportunity to meet new people and communicate with them through video, audio and text media. It can be a great tool to stay in touch with friends or family overseas. A phone call that lasts for hours can prove to be a rather expensive option; online chatting, on the other hand, is free. These online social spaces have grown into one of the best networking platforms to make friends and interact with like minded individuals. The feature can create, re-create or maintain relationships, despite the distances between these individuals. Besides personal benefits, these online conversation hotspots also provide numerous benefits for business communication. Video chat rooms, in particular, have become the most popularly used form of online communication.
A key advantage of this online activity is their ability to facilitate the meeting of new people in an online environment, to build relationships across distances. While some people enjoy going out and meeting new people, many others are not comfortable with such outings. They prefer to stay home and talk with people through the Internet. Online chatting gives you the opportunity to talk to strangers without the need to share extensive personal information. In portals that allow video messaging, you can indulge in video conversations without exceeding your bills. The feeling of a virtual conversation is more personal and direct than one that is conducted over text messages. You can see and feel more comfortable with the other person through the web camera. These online rendezvous increases the fun of meeting and networking, unlike text messaging.
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Video networking is not unusual and exquisite. It has actually become one of the most popular ways for people to get in touch, and cuts costs, saves money and energy and also provides users with a handy, quick and easy method of communication. Although the medium is one of the largest forms of casual entertainment, it has a number of other benefits. It can be used by online users to find information about any subject of their preference. Many people, young and old, have taken to this communication platform today.
By joining video chat rooms, you will be able to find the perfect dates to make your weekends more entertaining. If you seek to find a date within your neighborhood, you can look for such specifications on the website. With this facility, you can find individuals from across the world. You can take the help of these options to find the perfect date for your Saturday evening. Conversing face to face with your date is the most satisfactory experience, and can be a delightful distraction from the pressures of your daily work day.
On these online interactive portals, plenty of topics are discussed ranging from music, politics, to religion, relationships, and literature. The immense benefit of video networking is for business conferences. If you are working professional, then it will prove beneficial you to find new opportunities. It is advisable to select reputed and well known chat rooms.
Veena Gupta is author of this article on free chat rooms.
Find more information about free chat sites.
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4 Computer Money-saving Tips


Tip #1 -- Rebates:
A rebate is not always a bargain. Computers with rebates are often close to being discontinued. You may pick up a good deal or purchase technology that's about to become yesterday's news. What's more, stores will often package computers with a bunch of free items to make it look like you're getting more value. Chances are the extras are either poor quality or items you're unlikely to use. Also, they're counting on you to not redeem your rebate, a very common occurrence.
Tip #2 -- Extended Service Warrantees:
Buyer Beware! They're a gamble, but not always a bad idea. If you're purchasing a laptop and you plan to travel a lot, an extended warranty that covers replacement of the monitor/display can be a good gamble. Replacing a display can cost $400-$600, making the warranty worthwhile. On the other hand, if you plan on buying the warranty for routine maintenance; save your money. Oftentimes it can take weeks for the store to send your PC out for service.
Also, remember the store where you purchased your computer does not always do warranty work during the first year, instead you may have to ship it directly to the manufacturer. In general, extended warranties cover electronics [things you can't see]. They don't usually cover physical damage. Most extended warranties have large gray areas, leaving the warranty provider a lot of room to reject claims.
Tip #3 -- Monitors:
Don't throw away your monitor if it's still working properly. Instead, keep it and save a chunk of money by just replacing your old CPU [computer tower]. Monitors last much longer than CPUs and the technology is usually compatible between your old monitor and the new CPU. However, if you're dissatisfied, then monitors, keyboards and mouses are the three tools to spend extra money on, since you use them every day!
Tip #4 -- Networking:
How are you connecting to the Internet? If you're using a high speed Internet connection, such as cable broadband or DSL, you'll want to make sure you have a network card built into your system. If you have a wireless network at home or at the office, save money and installation time by buying the wireless card built right into the computer.
Sharron Senter is co-founder of http://www.VisitingGeeks.com - an on site computer repair, security and networking company serving north of Boston, Southern NH and Maine. Visiting Geeks’ technicians are crackerjacks at squashing viruses, popups and securing and making computers perform faster. Learn more about Sharron at http://www.SharronSenter.com

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Your Computer Can't Keep Time


A computer needs a certain amount of information to operate; for example, the date and time, the amount of memory installed, the number of drives and their configuration, and so on. In the early days of computers, either the user typed in this information each time the computer started, or it was set using DIP switches and jumpers. Today, computers store this information in a CMOS chip that uses a small battery to retain the information when the computer is shut off.
CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) is type of chip that consumes very little power; therefore, while the computer is turned off, the battery discharges very slowly. But the battery will totally discharge if you leave your computer turned off for a year or so. Even if you turn your computer on every day, the battery is designed to last only a couple of years. Occasionally a battery will fail prematurely.
Today's plug-and-play computers can detect most of the necessary settings, but if your CMOS battery is dead, your computer will not be able to retain the date and time. The computer will also lose any custom settings, for example, the boot sequence. If you set a password in CMOS, you may be locked out of the computer. If the CMOS battery does fail, you might receive the message "System Configuration Lost" when you start the computer. It would be wise to record all the CMOS settings as a precaution.
To record the CMOS settings, watch for an on-screen prompt when you first start your computer. The prompt tells you to press a key, usually the Del or F2, to enter CMOS. To enter the CMOS configuration utility, you have to press the indicated key while the message is on the screen. After the CMOS configuration screen appears, follow the instructions provided to page through all the screens and record all the settings.
If your computer loses its time setting overnight, the CMOS battery may not be holding a charge. The CMOS battery is located inside the case on the motherboard. Changing the battery is usually a job for a computer technician. In fact, a layman might not even be able to find the battery.
If you want to locate the CMOS battery in your computer, be aware that a static discharge from your hands can damage components inside the case. After taking proper precautions, open the case and look on the motherboard for a battery. If you have a diagram of your motherboard, locate the battery on the diagram first.
Different motherboards use different types of batteries. The battery may be shaped like a barrel or a coin. Some motherboards use a component that resembles a chip which contains the CMOS and the battery (made by DALLAS or Benchmarq). Batteries come in different voltages, so make sure you get an exact replacement.
Sometimes the battery is mounted in a holder. Sometimes it is soldered to the motherboard. De-soldering and re-soldering a battery is usually a job for a computer technician. An inexperienced solderer can cause a lot of damage. If you want to try to do it yourself, first practice on an obsolete circuit board. You may change your mind.
If the CMOS battery has failed because it's too old, this might be an opportunity to upgrade your motherboard. When upgrading a motherboard, the most important considerations are to make sure the new motherboard is the correct form factor for your case, and that the new motherboard has the correct bus connector slots for your expansion boards.
Copyright(C) Bucaro TecHelp
Permission is granted for the below article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website, offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, and the resource box below is included.
Stephen Bucaro
To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on the Web visit bucarotechelp.com To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter visit http://bucarotechelp.com/search/000800.asp

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10 Time Saving Keyboard Shortcuts


Time is money. And when you constantly have to divide your time between your mouse and your keyboard, your workflow rate really slows down.
That's particularly true when you're working on a laptop, where the pointing device is even slower.
The answer - short of growing another arm - is to learn a few "handy" keyboard shortcuts. Here are 10 of the best:
1. Make a quick exit:
ALT - F4 will terminate any program immediately.
2. Flick - don't click:
ALT - TAB to flick through open programs.
3. Make a quick selection:
CTRL - SHIFT and move cursor with left / right / up / down arrows to quickly select areas of text.
4. Cut, copy and paste to the chase:
CTRL - X / C / V to cut, copy and paste selected text.
5. Undo what you've done:
CTRL - Z will undo anything. (And to redo: CTRL - Y although this varies between programs.)
6. Page - don't scroll:
In MSIE use Page Up & Page Down to save time fiddling with the scroll bar.
7. E for explorer:
WINDOWS KEY - E to open windows explorer. Use up and down arrows to quickly navigate through folders.
8. Rapidly rename:
F2 - rename a file or folder in Windows Explorer
9. Find it fast:
CTRL - F to find text on a page (And CTRL - H replace it).
10. Fly through forms:
Use TAB to move forward through forms and SHIFT-TAB to move backwards
After a little practice, your fingers will be flying across the keyboard like a shortcut pro.
And you'll save a huge amount of time too.
Steve Robson is a successful technical author and contributor to [http://HowToBuyALaptop.com] - For more computer tips and advice, visit the following web page: [http://howtobuyalaptop.com/laptop-computer-tips.htm]
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Excellent Cheat Tips For Video Game Players

By Tova Neitzke


Children, teens and adults love video games. Video games are a great stress reliever for people of all ages. We wish to play them and have the most fun possible. How should we try to accomplish this? You can make your video gaming even better with a little knowledge. Read on to better your game.

Are you struggling to find which console is the best for your needs? Ask yourself what kind of games you want to play and which features you need. Also, the Internet can be a very valuable source for this information. Reviews of the different systems can be easily found. Figure out all you can when you're thinking of getting a new console for gaming.

You may want to make an area in the basement or set aside a room for your kids to play their video games. Children can be very noisy when playing their video games, and you probably prefer peace and quite. You can designate a specific gaming area in your home.

You should think about visiting a video arcade to play games sometimes. Today, most people like to stay home alone and play their video games. Arcades let you socialize with others while you play, making the experience better.

Trade out games you are tired of with your friends. Video games can be expensive and you'd probably rather spend your money elsewhere. You and your friends can trade video games and it won't cost any of you a cent.

Who needs to sleep when you are having fun? This common myth is believed by gamers and is also propagated by online websites which claim to provide good gaming tips. This is not true. Eight hours of quality sleep is important if you want to be at your sharpest for the best game play.

Ask for suggestions from the game store employees about games you will like. They will more than likely know more than you about new releases and be able to suggest titles similar to the ones you already enjoy. Store clerks usually know a lot about games and can help you make a decision.

Parents must review the ESRB rating assigned to games at all times. A lot of games look like they are okay for kids, but they are not. Check the game's rating and the reasons for the rating before you buy.

A video connection of the highest quality should be used. A majority of the gaming systems will rely on several cables for optimal connectivity. If your television or monitor supports multiple cable types, which do you use? For the clearest and best picture, opt for either a HDMI or DVI connection if your television supports it. Then you can pick a Composite or S-video and then finally if you have to go with RCA. Because coaxial connections are very common, they tend to be the cheapest quality. If coaxial is the only available choice, then use it as your last resort.

You must remember that it takes practice; practice is the key. Do not expect to be able to pick up a game and be an expert at it. Allow yourself time to learn all you can about it and be sure to get plenty of practice. In no time at all, you will be an expert.

Games all have ratings, which must always be heeded by parents. This helps them make sure their kids aren't being exposed to inappropriate content for their age. Always check out the rating before buying a game for a child.

Avoid overuse of cheat codes when playing games requiring skill. You should steer clear of too many, since they render the game pointless. Cheats should be used on sporting titles to allow you to enjoy the game more.

Gaming is a complex field. You have to know about things like component cables, HD capability, which technology can run on which systems, and HD capability. This might seem tricky, but a little homework done before you buy can prevent issues.

If you find you are getting really engrossed in your video games, discipline yourself to take frequent breaks. You can get very drawn into games, and it may not be very good for you. Playing a game should remain fun and light-hearted. If you feel that you are becoming a video game addict, then you may want to bring this up to your doctor.

A Nintendo Wii is helpful if you want to get into shape. This console engages physical activity, as most games require physical movement to serve as the catalyst for character movement.

If you must pause to reload in a shooter game setting, always do so after taking cover. Many times, gamers' characters are killed just standing in the way of the action during reloading animations. Don't become the next victim of this mistake. Take cover before you reload.

If you have children, always look at the ESRB rating before purchasing a game. It is easy to find games that appear kid-friendly, yet when played they are still inappropriate for your taste. You need to be paying attention the both the actual rating and the reason.

You're going to want to disable any chat features available if you have young children. A very young child does not need the interaction of a chat system and it can cause them to hear language that is not appropriate for their age of development. Don't purchase any games that don't provide you with the option to disable chat. Speak with the salesperson, or do an online search to be sure.

Video games are fun to play with your kids. It is surprising what you can learn about your child's interests and skills. A shared interest in video games can be a great way to converse and bond with your child. It also gives you an opportunity to monitor growth and development of their skills.

When you are good, gaming is even more fun. You're sure to find something you enjoy in the world of video gaming. Find a game type you like and then pick one of the most popular from that genre out. Video gaming is a great way to pass the time!




About the Author:

For people who love to play WOW, Zygor Guides has the best wow power leveling for any gamer who wants to take his game play to the next level.


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Computers & Internet


One can easily say that these are the inventions of the century. It has done what one could not imagine. It has open the doors of the world to the world.
What are you thinking now? Whatever you do, just put that in a search engine, you will be amazed to see the data on that, its amazing. Information on fingertips, one just has to type that.
At this day and age, the current of terms of literacy says that a person who doesn't know about computers is not literate. It simply shows as to how deeply this is involved in every walk of life, just name it.
There is a tendency of humans to accept change with time or not accept it at all. Change does cause stress. See the bright aspect. These inventions have changed the face of the world.
Businesses are stretched from one corner of the world to another. Who says that you have to hire someone in your local area to get your work done, you can get a person have your work done on the portals that serve as a bridge between the company and the skilled.
Do you want to express yourself? Do you want to do business? Do you want to set a school? Whatever you think, you can do that here. Its a whole new world, with its own set of rules.
Its because of this the world has really shrunk into a small ball, where people can visit the jungles of Africa sitting in their homes, roaming on the islands on a starry night, being on top of the highest mountains. I believe as things are going, in a few years people will be getting transported through lines, just a vivid imagination, but thats how we see things have been coming into being. Who could have thought that we could see the world moving in a box, TV.
This is all really amazing and really cool. I just heard a statement a few days ago and was making it a part of my data bank by repeating it again and again that "Internet Is A Multi Billion Dollar Industry".
Another thing that is pretty remarkable is that the older generation is not much into using computers and have been greatly affected by it, cause they thought that they could not adapt to this change. I believe we must have something made for them that they could use it with a whole lot ease and comfort, in terms of gadgets or programs, could be anything, its just a thought.
One just can write so much on this. These are some thoughts that I wanted to share. Hope you enjoyed.
[http://www.keeptheheartsalive.com]

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Open Sesame - Password Security


"Open Sesame!" is probably the most famous password in literature. It gave Ali Baba access to vast treasure. In the realm of technology, computer passwords also give access to valuable treasures: precious business and personal data.
Information about your personal life, buying habits, credit quality and life style is valuable to those who can profit from it. For the Corporation, information has even greater worth. It is not the "Bricks and Mortar" but the intangibles such as intellectual property, client lists, market strategies, pricing and compensation that account for over half the value of the modern enterprise.
All of this personal and business data most likely resides on a database somewhere and is available with a password. In fact, passwords are the most common means of entry in any system. They are also acknowledged as the most vulnerable points for security.
"Weak" or compromised passwords are the easiest way for hackers to gain entry into a system.
Simple or short passwords can be easily discovered through "brute force" or "dictionary"
attacks which concentrate intense computer power to crack a password. A two letter password, for example, has only 676 combinations. A password with eight letters offers more safety with 208,000,000 combinations.
Ideally, a password should consist of 8 or more characters. They should also contain
a mixture of upper and lower case letters, symbols and numbers. "A$d3B5i9X" would
be an example. Microsoft security has encouraged the concept of the "Pass Phrase" as an alternative. A phrase such as,"TheLastGoodBookUBoughtCost$25!" has all of the needed elements and is also easy to remember.
The human factor or social engineering contributes to password compromises. It is estimated that employees share their password eight times a year. Passwords can also be cajoled from untrained or naïve workers. The standard rule is NEVER share a password.
Remember the cliché of the "Six Degrees of Separation." You cannot know who will eventually end up with your password and own it.
To cope with these issues, many leading edge firms are adopting a defense in depth strategy utilizing three elements to better safeguard their information
The three layers of authentication consist of:
What you know...
A strong password or pass phrase
What you have...
A Crypto-key, smart card or token
Who you are...
A biometric aspect such as fingerprint, hand, or retinal recognition
Usage of these three defensive measures will increase dramatically in the future as people seek to thwart ever increasing threats to their private and personal information.
Many companies will be mandating them as a significant part of their security best-
practices to safeguard an extremely valuable asset: their treasured data.
© 2004 Terrence F. Doheny
Terrence F. Doheny
President
Beyond If Solutions, LLC
www.beyondifsolutions.com

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How DATA is LOST


Over 95% of the people and businesses that I speak with have experienced data loss. However the sad fact is that the majority of businesses are woefully unprepared and do not understand the serious risk of data loss.
Do you have a disaster recovery plan?
The data that you store on your computer can be lost in many ways. Many people are not aware of the various ways that their data can be placed in jeopardy.
First, there are the obvious ways:
Physical damage to the computer, such as fire or water damage, is one surefire way to lose all the data on your computer. Although insurance may cover the physical damage to your machine(s), and you may be able to replace the actual hardware, no insurance policy can resurrect your data.
Another common way that individuals lose the data they have worked so hard to build up is THEFT. Much like damage done to your computer via various natural disasters, insurance may cover the physical hardware, but no policy will be able to save the information stored on your hard drive and other physical media.
Without some form of backup solution, your data is at risk every day.
There are many other things that can happen that can cause partial or full data loss. Other common occurrences are:
Data corruption (failed CRC or MD5 checks),
Hard drive failure (the older a hard disk gets the closer you are getting to the MTBF, or "mean time between failure" that every disk is rated for at the factory),
OS failure (it is not uncommon for a machine to fail to reboot after having critical system files replaced, such as during the application of a Windows Service Pack or driver update).
Human error - simply accidentally deleting a file or directory happens more often than you would think. Not to mention the "not so accidental" deletion by a disgruntled employee.
Viruses and worms - even though protection for these digital pests is readily available and in general use, loss of data associated with them is still widespread.
These are just a few of the pitfalls that can plague the computer that has not had backups done in a timely manner.
Right about now, you may be asking yourself: "What can I do?" Actually, there is one simple solution to all your data integrity needs: offsite data backup.
Unlike backups you may be used to doing with tape drives or other removable media, offsite data backup provides a much more transparent, easy to use solution, as well as having the added security of storing your files in a secure location that is guaranteed to keep them safe (remember, if your office building catches fire, not only does your workstation lose it's data, but your tape backups will most likely be destroyed as well, barring the use of expensive fireproof storage.
Offsite data backup is easy to set up and protects your data in the most secure, economical way possible. If you are considering implementing a data backup for your company or personal computers do yourself a favor and consider using an offsite secure backup service. This is the simplest and most effective form of disaster recovery.
Your DATA is your LIFE. Protect it.
Harald Anderson is a freelance writer and webmaster for http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com an online backup service. Experience the Digital Peace of Mind that safe, secure, encrypted online data backups can offer. Online Backups
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Having Trouble Winning At Video Games? Try These Tips!

By Dominik Mikula


People play video games for a variety of reasons. Whether it be to spend time with their children or friends and family. No matter the reason, playing video games is a favorite pastime of may people. Use the tips in this article to get the most out of your video game play.

Don't undervalue the tactic of suppression fire in an online shooter. If you are playing on teams, having one player just covering the area with live fire gives his teammates a great opportunity to sneak up on the enemy or at least to get a better strategic position. Working together like this can really boost your wins.

When evaluating video games for young children, take a look at how the characters in the game act. Is harm to others an important part of the game? Is there a reward for actions that harm others? How often does harming another character occur? These questions can help you evaluate the level and kind of violence in a video game.

Choose video games for your children that are non-violent or threatening. Kids easily love games that involve shooting or violence to feel powerful. Choose adventure or driving games that still keep your children's interest, without being violent. It is imperative that you use their gaming experience to teach your kids something new and still keep them entertained.

When you are looking to purchase video games, it is imperative that the store you purchase from is reliable. Always ask if the store accepts returns. If a game looks good based on the graphics, but doesn't deliver, you need backup. If the store doesn't allow returns, choose a store that does!

To help keep your child safe while playing video games, find out about the multiplayer options of the games they are playing. Set age appropriate limits to gaming interactions with others online. Some games have parental control options that you can use to determine the kind of interaction your child will have with strangers.

Try playing the game for a while before you get cheat codes. The Internet makes it really easy for you to find out almost everything about a game before you play it. But how can you fully enjoy the game if you are walked through every step! Try playing it for a few days before seeking online help.

If you are playing a sports game, consider playing on dynasty mode, which can help give you the most bang for your buck. Dynasty mode will allow you to play several years with a team, as you can act as the manager. This will allow you to make moves just like the professionals do, imitating a real life experience.

Parents should monitor online activity as their child plays video games. Many games have taken the action online, allowing your child to speak to others around the world as they play. Set strict guidelines about what is discussed, and try to be vigilant about screening those who make it on their friend's list.

If you and your child have a long road trip ahead, bringing along his hand-held video games can help your child pass the time away. Car trips can be difficult on a child, and anything that can make his trip more pleasant can give him a better experience. Just be sure to set ground rules and time limits on how much time he spends on it.

Video games come in an assortment of genres, so it is essential to know what kind you or a loved one likes before buying them. Normally, the salesmen at the retail stores can help you, but it also helps a lot to do some prior research on websites as well as read reviews.

If you are scared about your kids playing video games, turn to other mothers for help. ESB ratings are usually one thing, but the actual gaming experience is another. If you know other mothers, ask them for advice in choosing appropriate video games for your kids. If no other mothers are available to help you out, look for online reviews that can help you.

To find inexpensive games, consider visiting eBay. You can find a number of older titles at considerable prices. If you are patient, you can even score a system at a great price. Make sure; however, to look at a seller's history and reviews before you purchase from them. You want to buy from someone reputable.

When you create characters for online roleplaying games, give some thought to the world they're supposed to inhabit when you name them. Although some players don't care about the names of the other characters they encounter, some will react negatively to out-of-place names. Not everyone in a medieval fantasy game will be willing to partner up with "WeedToka420."

No matter the reason for playing video games, many people enjoy it. Some people play them to spend time with their friends and family, while other play with their children. Keep these tips in mind when it comes to video games to enjoy them and get the most out of your time.




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How to Unclog Your Computer


I have been working on a lot of computers lately and one of the things that I notice the most is that there are programs still on the computer that are no longer needed.
Some of the new computers have a lot of demo software on there for the customer to try. If they like it, they have an option to buy it. If they do not like it, or even tried it, the computer still has to store the program and all of the related files.
In addition, many times parents will buy education software for their kids. The kids are now 9-10 years old, but the software that was bought for the 3-4 year old still remains on the computer.
Another example is AOL. Some people have started off using AOL, then they decided to go to cable modem, DSL, FIOS and the no longer use AOL. Even though they do not use it the software and all of the files remain on the computer.
Everything mentioned above slows down the computer, especially leaving AOL on it. AOL is a massive program and it puts software pieces everywhere including a program called the registry.
The registry is a program that keeps track of everything on the computer. If you no longer use an application and you do not uninstall it the Registry has to go through all of the data to get to where it needs to go.
So, the first step in getting rid of the applications that you no longer need is to go to the Start menu and look at all of the programs and files under the All Programs menu option. Just look at the different folders and applications to see what you no longer use, or even heard of.
The next step is to click on the Start menu and click on the Control Panel icon. When the Control panel opens click on the Add/Remove programs option. In XP and Vista, Add/Remove programs is either in the first row (icon vies), or on the left column (word view).
When the Add/Remove window opens you will see all of the applications that are installed. If you have a lot of applications on your computer it can take 30 seconds or more to populate all of them on the screen.
Click on the application that you want to remove and select Remove (XP), or Uninstall (Vista). Follow the prompts and the program will uninstall. Some applications ask you to restart your computer after it is uninstalled. You can do this each time, or just wait until you uninstall all of the applications. Once you are done, go to the Start menu and select Restart and the computer will restart.
The next and final step is to delete the folders associated with the programs. Add/remove mainly work with the applications, not the extra files it installs. Click on the My computer icon and then select the drive C icon. Next look for Program Files folder and double click on that to open it. The next thing to do is to look at the folder names and delete the folders of the applications that you uninstalled. The folder names are usually the same as the application that you removed.
After you are done I would click on the Start menu , then click on Accessories folder, and then the System Tools folder and select Disk Defragmenter and let it run by clicking on the defragment program. What this application does is gets rid of the extra spaces on your hard drive. The extra spaces were left there from the applications that you removed. After it is complete, which usually takes an hour, the hard drive will work less and find what it is looking for faster. The end result is a faster computer.
Please visit my blog site below and leave comments or suggestions there. Please let others know about this article. My goal is to inform the computer user so that we can all prevent these viruses from spreading.
For more computer tips, free newsletters and information, go to http://www.yourpcguide.com and sign up for a bi-weekly free computer tips newsletter called Your Computer Connection.
John Gontowicz is the author of three computer ebooks including How to Learn Excel, How to Make Your Computer Run Stronger, Longer and Faster, and Computers 101. Please visit the site above for more information.
Comments and suggestions can be made on my blog site http://yourpcguide.blogspot.com
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Top 6 Computer Forensics Schools


If you are really interested in retrieving lost data from digital devices like hard discs and memory cards for crime investigation purpose, you can consider earning a computer forensics degree as federal agencies and other detective agencies recruited people who have knowledge about computers and trained them for specific tasks regarding to this particular field of forensics. There are many universities and colleges have started running specialized courses for this field of study.

Most universities offer this particular course online, while some institutions offer traditional degree that requires candidates to attend lectures on campus. Here are the best universities that offer both online and off-line degree of this particular course:

  • The American Intercontinental University (AIU) is one of the most reputed universities offering such courses. You can earn one of the most reputed Bachelor's degrees in computer forensics and a Master's degree in Internet Security through the AIU.
  • The Kaplan University provides degrees in computer crime and criminal justice. This university does not provide a Master's degree program but they offer Bachelor's degree course in this field of study.
  • The Virginia College runs courses that would help you in earning a Master's degree in Cyber Security.
  • The University of Phoenix runs regular and online courses for associate degrees in Information Systems.
  • Similar programs are run by the Colorado State University, offering associate degree in Information Technology, Bachelor's degree in IT security and Master's degree in Information technology.
  • The Capella University also runs highly reputed online programs specializing in IT and Information systems.
For more information about computer forensics schools and computer forensic career, visit ComputerForensicsBasics.com.

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Trojan Problems


Have you ever had this problem with your computer. Every time you try to open your Internet Explorer to surf the Internet, an error message reads "Failed to get data for 'ad' ", the next thing you see is a dreaded illegal operation box and your Internet Explorer gets shut down.
When navigating around My Computer or Control Panels, you get this message although you still can navigate the controls, despite the illegal message error.
This is an example of a Trojan. Trojans are not viruses, these are malware that are usually hidden in a .exe file that you download online.
Here's are examples of how it can happen.
1) You click on a .exe file that came from an email address you recognized.
2) You went to some sites and downloaded some .exe files that looked like something else you were looking for.
3) You click on a "Click Here!" link in someones AOL instant messenger profile and it ended up throwing about 3 Trojan 
Dropper viruses on my computer. Your virus checker can catch them but not be able to remove, quarantine or delete them without impairing your operating system.
Sometime after doing a complete system scan and one may assume that the virus checker caught it. About a week later, the symptoms can resurface.
If your out of ideas and your anti virus program is unable to help, before contemplating formatting your hard disk and reinstalling the OS, try using a focused Trojan Remover software. Trojans are not Viruses, so you need a specialized Trojan Remover tool that is constantly updated to combat the multi variations of a single Trojan.
Take for example, the Trojan. Vundo Trojan. This little guy will display multiple pop ups on your Internet Explorer browser, and you will end up seeing things that you may not want to see. There are many variants of this trojan and frequently updated anti-trojan anti malware & spyware tools will be able to detect and clean them quickly and easily. This will save one time and avoid the time consuming process of having to reinstall the entire WinXP/ OS & Drivers.

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Meeting The Demands Of IT Departments With SQL Server Courses

By Helen Marquez


IT departments within all areas of business are growing because of the continual demand placed on them through the use of ever changing computer software. Along with the growth of the IT department, the demand for pros to man them grows too. With that demand comes the assurance that companies supply personnel with SQL Server courses to stay with the latest Microsoft and SQL applications being used.

IT professionals understand that Cisco training courses are part of the toughest training around, and they also know that once they've received the training they are then able to stand up against anyone else in the industry. Training and certification Singapore courses provided to IT personnel involve the best SQL Server courses to be found anywhere. Any professional would be proud to say that they obtained their training in Singapore.

To completely understand what SQL Server courses are about, it is important to know something about the history surrounding this system. To sum it up, Microsoft's first attempt to produce a server database was in direct competition with an original system with the name Sybase SQL Server. It was also in complete competition with IBM and Oracle. As time went on, Microsoft, along with Sybase worked together with Ashton-Tate to formulate the initial version of today's SQL Server.

Because much of the software applications in use today require SQL Server to operate, it is critical that IT departments understand how to effectively use this system. While it is possible to find free training with online SQL tutorials, this training is generally produced with the novice in mind. To get more in depth training special SQL Server courses may be needed in order to keep IT departments at the top of their game.

For those desiring to obtain a SQL Server certification, it would be wise to train through accredited SQL Server courses. These are offered by universities and colleges and through training centers established by Microsoft. Most major corporations and businesses extend this type of training courses to IT departments as a way to train their employees, or at least have a list of approved training institutions.




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Cybercops for Cybercrime


In an effort to regulate the investigation of digital crime in the US, some states are looking at limiting the practice to Private Investigators. North and South Carolina, Georgia, New York, Nevada, Texas, Virginia and Washington are just some of the states that are enacting mandatory licensing of all forensic investigators.
One of the main problems around the investigation of digital crime is the issue of jurisdiction. Digital crime is borderless. Someone in New York can perpetrate criminal activities in Los Angeles without moving from his of her desk. According to the new laws anyone investigating this crime would have to be licensed in both New York and LA for his or her findings to be admissible in a court of law. Should supporting digital evidence be found in any other states, the investigator would need valid PI licenses for them too. Evidence from unlicensed investigators will be excluded from court and could result in the criminal prosecution of the offenders.
IT professionals by and large don't have any problems with attempts to regulate their field. Their primary concern is that they are being forced into an existing and ill-fitting category rather than being given one of their own. They fear that by allowing anyone with a PI license to claim forensic investigative credibility, evidence will be unnecessarily compromised and the field's image will be irreparably tarnished. Their argument is that if they have to be licensed, then regular PIs should also be licensed to carry out the delicate and specialised work of data collection and recovery.
What is in fact needed is more education on all sides. Forensic investigators need to learn more about court procedures and what constitutes admissible evidence, for example, maintaining the chain of custody of evidence and the proper documentation of findings. Prosecutors should know more about what is and is not possible so that they'll recognise outlandish claims and know when to challenge the credibility of evidence.
If PIs want to engage in digital investigations they should be able to prove their competency in the field. There should be a standard exam that all aspirant digital investigators need to pass in order to qualify for a forensic investigator PI license. Standardised practices will make it easier for investigators to work across state boundaries. Standardisation will also contribute to transparency in a field whose specialised nature places it at risk of obfuscation.
Regulations are necessary in all industries. They help those within the industries work to the best of their abilities and create a sense of accountability and responsibility. It's undeniable that the field of digital investigation needs regulating, as without it evidence is open to compromise. But legislators should take care that the regulations serve the industries that they are designed to protect, and don't detract from their credibility. Stan King, from the Forensics and Investigative Response Practice of Verizon Business Services said, "Like a doctor who's gone to medical school, works in his field, takes continuing education and maintains his medical licenses-that's the level of accountability we need for digital forensics". I don't think that the courts of South Carolina would argue.
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Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers MVI Data Recovery data recovery one of the most successful data recovery companies in the UK today.

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