~ A Tip A Day ~ - Page 6

LoneRanger · #76 11-30-2007, 12:37 PM

30 November 2007:

Use a Firewall

To protect your computer from Internet intruders, it is crucial to use a firewall. Available in hardware and software versions, a firewall acts like a cloaking device to hide your computer from the watchful eyes of online criminals. A firewall also can filter the data that enters your computer, control Internet cookies, and warn you when sinister spyware programs try to transmit data about you over the Web. There are numerous, respected brands of hardware and software firewalls to choose from, each of which will probably suit your needs.

Note
For enhanced protection, use a hardware firewall in combination with a software firewall. If you have two or more computers networked together, using dual firewalls should stop one of the computers from spreading a worm across the network and infecting the other computers. Even if you only have one computer, using both types of firewalls together doesn’t harm anything and gives you increased protection and control of the type of information your computer broadcasts over the Web.

Hardware Firewalls
These are available as stand-alone devices that sit between your computer and the Internet, and they come as a built-in feature of most routers (which are devices used to network computers together to share files and an Internet connection).

Even if you have only one computer in your home or office, a router is a good, inexpensive investment, because you never know when you may purchase an additional computer and want to set up a network. Here are some popular brands of routers (in no particular order):
• Linksys BEFSR41 or BEFSX41
• NetGear RP614
• D-Link DI-604

Software Firewalls
In addition to offering many of the same features as a hardware firewall, a software firewall can alert you when a digital threat like spyware tries to connect to the Internet and transmit your data to online marketers. Also, most software firewalls let you choose which programs can or cannot access the Web. Many reputable software manufacturers have software firewalls available.

Free Firewalls
The following firewall packages are available for free:
• Windows Firewall: A reliable, free firewall known as Windows Firewall is included with Windows XP Service Pack 2. If your computer does not have any other software firewall installed, then Windows Firewall automatically and silently runs in the background to protect you. Although the Windows Firewall will sufficiently protect you from inbound threats that attempt to penetrate your computer, it will not alert you about any outbound threats that try to use your Internet connection. For that reason, it is not recommended.

• ZoneAlarm Free Version: This is one of the best software firewalls — and it won’t cost you a cent. Not only does it protect against inbound and outbound threats, but it also gives you total command over the programs that are allowed to access the Internet. To download it, visit http://www.zonelabs.com or search for it at http://www.download.com.

Retail Firewalls
The following packages are available online for a nominal cost:
• ZoneAlarm Pro (http://www.zonelabs.com)
• Norton Internet Security (http://www.symantec.com)
• McAfee Personal Firewall (http://www.mcafee.com)
• Tiny Personal Firewall (http://www.tinysoftware.com)
• Desktop Firewall (http://www.webroot.com)
• ETrust EZ Firewall (http://www.ca.com)

LoneRanger · #77 12-01-2007, 11:19 AM

01 December 2007:

Safely Delete Your Data

A computer file is like a road-sign that tells Windows where to locate data on
your hard drive. When you delete a file and empty it from the recycle bin, you
are only destroying the road-sign — not the actual data. Basically, the data just sits in limbo on your hard drive until it is overwritten by new data, which puts it at risk of being recovered by an identity thief who has the right software and computer smarts.

The only safe way to get rid of your files is to wipe them from existence — literally. Special software exists that can wipe data (also known as shredding), which will make the files almost impossible to recover. During the wiping process, your old files are overwritten numerous times by new, random data.Think of it like painting the same wall in your house over and over with a different color each time.

Wiping Software

You can buy professional wiping programs from retail stores or e-merchants, or you can download free ones from the Internet. The choice depends on how much (or little) money you are willing to spend and how serious you are about keeping your deleted data safe from prying eyes. Some programs give a better, more secure wipe, whereas others barely make the grade. Here are some options (in no particular order):

• File Shredder (http://www.stompsoft.com)
• BCWipe (http://www.jetico.com)
• Steganos Security Suite (http://www.steganos.com)

LoneRanger · #78 12-02-2007, 12:06 PM

02 December 2007:

Encrypt Your Data

If a criminal steals or hacks into your computer, would he or she be able to view your private data? If you haven’t encrypted your files, the answer is “Yes.” If you have ever seen a spy movie, you know that encryption is the process of
transforming your data into a secret code that can be viewed only by people with the correct password.With the crime of identity theft growing worse each year, encryption has become a vital part of protecting yourself from high-tech hoodlums.

Encryption Software

A variety of software manufacturers have encryption programs that you can
download from the Internet. Some may take a bite out of your wallet, but others will only set you back a few bucks.Your best bet is to select one that provides reliable technical support, which will be crucial if you ever encrypt your data and then can’t unlock it. Here are some encryption software you can purchase:
• BestCrypt (http://www.jetico.com)
• CryptoForge (http://www.cryptoforge.com)
• WinZip (http://www.winzip.com)
• Steganos Safe 8 (http://www.steganos.com)
• DriveCrypt (http://www.securstar.com)
• Turbocrypt (http://www.pmc-ciphers.com)
• Cryptainer (http://www.cypherix.com)
• Secure IT (http://www.cypherix.com)
• PGP Corporation (http://www.pgp.com)

Windows Encryption (XP Professional Edition Only)

Using XP Pro’s built-in encryption software is just as easy as working with
normal, everyday files.

Note

This encryption requires the NTFS file system. Follow these steps to encrypt a file:
1. Right-click the file you want to encrypt.

2. Select Properties.

3. A window opens. Under the General tab, click the Advanced button.

4. A window opens. At the bottom of it, put a checkmark in the Encrypt Contents to Secure Data box). If this option is grayed out, then Windows encryption is not available and you need to install a separate encryption program.

5. Click the OK button.

6. Click the Apply button.

7. A message asks you if you want to encrypt just the file or encrypt it and the folder it is stored in. If the file is one that you plan to make changes to, then choose to encrypt it and its folder. This ensures that the file remains encrypted.

8. Click the OK button.

The name of the file has green letters instead of the usual black letters. This indicates your file is properly encrypted.

Follow these steps to encrypt a folder:
1. Right-click the folder you want to encrypt.

2. Select Properties.

3. A window opens. Under the General tab, click the Advanced button.

4. A window opens. At the bottom of it, put a checkmark in the Encrypt Contents to Secure Data box. If this option is grayed out, then Windows encryption is not available and you need to install a separate encryption program.

5. Click the OK button.

6. Click the Apply button.

7. A message asks you if you want to encrypt just the folder or encrypt it and all of the other folders inside of it (as well as the files in those other folders). If you are encrypting an important folder like My Documents, you should choose to encrypt the folder and its subfolders so that all of your sensitive documents are protected.

8. Click the OK button.

The name of the folder has green letters instead of the usual black letters. This indicates your folder is properly encrypted.

Note

Any files you add to an encrypted folder automatically become encrypted.

LoneRanger · #79 12-03-2007, 10:27 AM

03 December 2007:

Back Up Your Data

To preserve your computer files and prevent them from being lost forever, you should copy them to recordable or rewritable CDs/DVDs or a separate hard drive. Here are the most common reasons for data loss:
• Dead hard drive: The hard drives that store your files are just like any other electronic gadget — they are prone to sudden failure.
• Killer virus: Some digital threats lurking on the Internet have the capability of destroying certain types of files on your computer.
• Power surge: An electrical storm or a fluctuation in your power lines can cause a sudden burst of electricity to race into your computer and fry your hard drive and other computer parts.
• Theft: Computers, especially laptops, are a big target for thieves. Having your computer stolen is a double whammy because not only do you lose your data, but the thief has complete access to it and can use it to commit identity theft.
• Fire and natural disasters: All of your computer files can be wiped out in an instant when your home or office is destroyed by a fire, hurricane, tornado, flood, or other weather phenomenon. This makes it critical to back up your data on a regular basis and store it in a safe off-site location like a bank vault.
• Children: Whether your children are a few years old or a few decades old, the chances are high that at some point they will use your computer and change your settings or accidentally delete a particular document or file that has great importance to you. Prevent this by backing up your data, protecting your Windows account with a password, and setting up separate accounts for each of your family members.

Create a Disc Image

By using special software, you can create an image of your hard drive, which is a fancy way of saying that you are backing up the entire contents of your hard drive — including Windows and all software. If your hard drive ever crashes and you lose data, all you have to do is load the disc image onto your computer, and you will be up and running as if nothing ever happened. This software can be used with almost any backup device (external and internal hard drives, CD/DVD burners, and so on). Here are some popular disc imaging programs (in no particular order):
• Norton Ghost (http://www.symantec.com)
• Acronis True Image (http://www.acronis.com)
• NTI Backup NOW (http://www.ntius.com)
• Turbo Backup (http://www.filestream.com)

Manually Back Up Your Important Files

Instead of copying your entire hard drive, the manual backup method only
copies the data you consider to be irreplaceable, such as financial documents,
digital photos, music files, and so on. Here are some popular programs that are used for manual backups (in no particular order):
• Nero Burning ROM or Nero Express (http://www.nero.com)
• NTI CD-Maker (http://www.ntius.com)
• Roxio Easy Media Creator (http://www.roxio.com)

LoneRanger · #80 12-04-2007, 01:09 PM

04 December 2007:

Use Passwords

A key component in preventing intruders from accessing your Windows account is to protect it with a password. If you have not configured Windows to require a password, then follow the procedure that’s applicable to your system.

For Windows XP Home Edition:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click the Control Panel. (If you don’t see this option, your Start menu is in classic mode. In that case, click Settings, and then select the Control Panel.)

3. Double-click User Accounts.

4. A window opens. Click Change an Account.

5. Select the account you want to change.

6. Click Create a Password.

7. Type a password. Do not choose a word that can easily be guessed.

8. Repeat this procedure for each Windows account. Give each user a separate, unique password.

For Windows XP Professional Edition:

1. Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop.

2. Select Manage.

3. A window opens. In the left window pane, double-click the Local Users and Groups icon.

4. Double-click the Users icon.

5. In the right window pane, right-click the account you want to change.

6. Select Set Password.

7. A window opens. Type a new, strong password for the account.

LoneRanger · #81 12-05-2007, 11:12 AM

05 December 2007:

Create Strong Passwords

To keep Internet intruders from breaking into your computer, you must create strong passwords that are nearly impossible to crack.

Here are some guidelines:
• If you have a simple one-word password like computer, a high-tech thief could crack it in mere minutes.

• If you make the password more robust by adding numbers — like computer33 — it might take the thief an extra 10 minutes to crack it.

• If your password is even more complex — like comPut3r55@$ — the thief would have to work around the clock for days on end before he could come close to cracking it.

• Your password should have a minimum of six digits, with at least three of the following: lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

• The easiest way to create a strong password is to develop a pass-phrase, which is a sentence you can easily remember. Use the first letter of each word in the pass-phrase to create a password. For example, the pass-phrase “Honk if you like computer geeks” becomes the password hiylcg. To make it even stronger, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters that look like actual letters. For example, hiylcg can be changed into h1yLc&.

• For even stronger protection, change your passwords every six months.

LoneRanger · #82 12-06-2007, 12:57 PM

06 December 2007:

Avoid Certain Passwords

Because many people have a difficult time remembering their passwords, they often use names or words that are near and dear to them — like a pet’s name.

Although such passwords are easy to remember, they also are easy for a criminal to crack. Never use passwords containing the following:

• Nicknames for you or your family members

• A pet’s name

• Your mother’s maiden name

• The street number or street name of your current or former residences

• Your relatives’ names

• Sequential numbers (like 1234 or 6789)

• Common words (like the word password or the)

• Words directly related to your occupation (for example, if you are a doctor, don’t use doctor)

LoneRanger · #83 12-07-2007, 11:52 AM

07 December 2007:

Hide the List of Recent Documents

Each time you open a document or file, Windows creates a shortcut to it that is placed in a list called Recent Documents. The purpose of this list is to give you a simple way to access your recently viewed documents without having to waste time searching for them. However, there is a downside: anyone who uses your computer — or hacks into it — can view this list to find out what documents you recently opened. To enhance your privacy and security, you can hide the Recent Documents list.

Follow these steps:
1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click the Control Panel. (If you don’t see this option, your Start menu is in classic mode. In that case, click Settings, and then select the Control Panel.)

3. If the Control Panel is in category view, click the Appearance and Themes category, and then click the Taskbar and Start Menu icon. If the Control Panel is in classic view, simply double-click the Taskbar and Start Menu icon.

4. A window opens. Click the Start Menu tab.

5. Click the Customize button.

6. Another window opens. Click the Advanced tab.

7. Remove the checkmark from the List My Most Recently Opened Documents box.

8. Click the Clear List button.

9. Click the OK button.

10.You are returned to the previous window. Click the Apply button.

11.Click the OK button.

LoneRanger · #84 12-08-2007, 01:50 PM

08 December 2007:

Disable the List of Recent Documents

Even if you followed the steps to hide the Recent Documents list,Windows XP continues to monitor the files you open or use and stores this information in the background just in case you need it. If you want to prevent Windows from keeping track of your recent documents, you must edit the Windows Registry, as follows:
1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click Run.

3. A window opens. Type regedit in the blank, and then click the OK button or press the Enter key.

4. The Windows Registry Editor opens. In the left window pane, double-click the HKEY_CURRENT_USER registry key.

5. A new column of registry keys appears. Double-click Software.

6. Another list of registry keys appears. Scroll down and double-click Microsoft.

7. A long column of registry keys appears. Scroll down and double-click Windows.

8. Double-click the CurrentVersion registry key.

9. A new column of registry keys appears. Scroll down and double-click Policies.

10. Click the Explorer registry key.

11. Click the Edit drop-down menu located in the upper-left corner of the Windows Registry Editor.

12. Select New.

13. Select DWORD Value.

14. In the right window pane, a new registry value appears. Rename it NoRecentDocsHistory.

15. Double-click new NoRecentDocsHistory value to open it.

16. Type the number 1 under the Value Data heading.

17. Click the OK button.

18. Exit the Registry Editor by clicking the X button in the upper-right corner.

19. If you want to undo this fix and restore the list of recent documents, do the following:
a. Open the Windows Registry Editor and return to the NoRecentDocsHistory registry value you created.
b. Double-click this registry value to open it.
c. Under the Value Data heading labeled, delete the number 1. Type the number 0 in its place.

LoneRanger · #85 12-09-2007, 12:15 PM

09 December 2007:

Erase the List of Recent Documents When Exiting Windows

If you prefer to keep the Recent Documents list, you can still enhance your privacy by modifying the list so that its contents are emptied every time you exit Windows. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click Run.

3. A window opens. Type regedit in the blank, and then click the OK button or press the Enter key.

4. The Windows Registry Editor opens. In the left window pane, double-click the HKEY_CURRENT_USER registry key.

5. A new column of registry keys appears. Double-click Software.

6. Another list of registry keys appears. Scroll down and double-click Microsoft.

7. A long column of registry keys appears. Scroll down and double-click Windows.

8. Double-click the CurrentVersion registry key.

9. A new column of registry keys appears. Scroll down and double-click Policies.

10. Click the Explorer registry key.

11. Click the Edit drop-down menu located in the upper-left corner of the
Windows Registry Editor.

12. Select New.

13. Select DWORD Value.

14. In the right window pane, a new registry value appears. Rename it
ClearRecentDocsOnExit

15. Double-click the new ClearRecentDocsOnExit value to open it.

16. Type the number 1 under the Value Data heading.

17. Click the OK button.

18. Exit the Registry Editor by clicking the X button in the upper-right corner.

19. If you want to undo this fix and restore the list of recent documents to its original settings, do the following:
a. Open the Windows Registry Editor and return to the ClearRecentDocsOnExit registry value you created.
b. Double-click this registry value to open it.
c. Under the Value Data heading, delete the number 1. Type the number 0 in its place.

LoneRanger · #86 12-10-2007, 01:40 PM

10 December 2007:

Is your Windows desktop so jam-packed with shortcuts, folders, and files that you can barely see the desktop wallpaper peeking out from behind them?

Perhaps it is time for a digital Spring cleaning.

Use the Quick Launch Toolbar

Windows XP has a feature known as Quick Launch that allows you to quickly access your programs without having to clutter your desktop with countless shortcuts. Here’s how to use it:
1. Right-click the empty space on the taskbar (which is the strip between your Start button and the Windows clock).

2. Select Toolbars.

3. Select Quick Launch.

4. The Quick Launch toolbar appears next to the Start button. This toolbar allows you to access shortcuts to commonly used programs. One of its best features is the handy shortcut known as Show Desktop. When you click this button, the desktop immediately appears. This can be quite useful when you have several programs or files open and you want to access something on your desktop. Instead of minimizing each individual program or file to reveal
the desktop, you can simply click this shortcut.

5. To decrease the clutter on your desktop, you can move its icons and shortcuts to the Quick Launch toolbar. Simply drag the icon from your desktop to the Quick Launch and drop it next to one of the other Quick Launch icons.
To make this process even easier, click the small vertical column of dots located on the right side of the Quick Launch and drag it to the right. This increases the size of your Quick Launch toolbar and gives you more room for dragging and dropping.

6. After transferring the desktop shortcuts to the Quick Launch, you can organize them in whatever order you desire. To do so, click one of the shortcuts and hold down your mouse button. Next, drag the shortcut left or right on the Quick Launch toolbar to a position that suits you.

7. To remove a shortcut from the Quick Launch, right-click the shortcut and select Delete. When you see a message asking whether or not you want to send the shortcut to the Recycle Bin, click the Yes button.

8. Moving a shortcut to the Quick Launch Toolbar does not remove its original version from your desktop. To clean up the clutter on your desktop, right-click the original shortcut and select Delete. When you see a message asking whether or not you want to send the shortcut to the Recycle Bin, click the Yes button.

9. When you are finished modifying the Quick Launch, consider locking it, which gives your desktop a cleaner look. Simply right-click the empty space on the taskbar and select Lock the Taskbar. This is merely a suggestion to make Windows more neat and tidy. Nothing bad will happen if you choose not to lock the Quick Launch toolbar.

LoneRanger · #87 12-11-2007, 11:08 AM

11 December 2007:

Restore the Show Desktop Shortcut

If you follow the steps to turn on the Quick Launch toolbar, you will discover that its Show Desktop shortcut is the fastest way to jump from a program or folder to your desktop. This is particularly handy when you have multiple windows or programs open and you need to view a file stored on your desktop.

Be careful not to accidentally delete the Show Desktop shortcut, because you cannot restore it by normal means. Instead, you will need to create a special file by using the Windows Notepad, like this:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click the Control Panel. (If you don’t see this option, your Start menu is in classic mode. In that case, click Settings, and then select the Control Panel.)

3. If the Control Panel is in category view, click the Appearance and Themes category, and then click the Folder Options icon. If the Control Panel is in classic view, simply double-click the Folder Options icon.

4. A window opens. Click the View tab.

5. Under the Advanced Settings heading, scroll down and click the Show Hidden Files and Folders button.

6. Click the Apply button.

7. Click the OK button.

8. Now you must locate Notepad. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

9. Click All Programs.

10. Select Accessories.

11. Click Notepad.

12. A blank document opens in Notepad. Type [shell] and then press the Enter key.

13. Type Command=2 and then press the Enter key.

14. Type IconFile=explorer.exe.3 and then press Enter.

15. Type [Taskbar] and then press Enter.

16. Type Command=ToggleDesktop and then double check all five lines of text to make sure they are typed exactly as above

17. Click the File drop-down menu located in the upper-left corner of Notepad.

18. Select Save.

19. A window opens, asking you to give the file a name. Type Show Desktop.scf

20. You must select a location where the file will be saved. In the browsing window, double-click the My Computer icon.

21. Double-click the icon for your C: drive (unless you installed Windows in a different location, in which case, double-click that drive letter).

22. Double-click the Documents and Settings folder.

23. Double-click the folder containing the name of your Windows account. For example, if your account is named Bob, then doubleclick the Bob folder.

24. Double-click the Application Data folder.

25. Double click the Microsoft folder.

26. Double-click the Internet Explorer folder.

27. Double-click the Quick Launch folder.

28. Now that you have given this file a name and have selected the location to save it in, click the Save button.