| |
| |
|
Personal Technology Information |
|
Be Your Own IT Department
If you use a computer, you need to know more than just how to use your email and surf the web. You need to know that you are protected. If there isn't someone responsible for the computers in your home or office, then pick someone, quick. Their job is to assure you that everything I've listed below is getting done on a regular basis so you can relax a little. Antivirus This should go without saying, but I still run into computers with expired Antivirus software quite often. In 2005, Antivirus software needs to be updated daily, and paid for yearly. If you haven't paid for a subscription, then you don't have current Antivirus Software. Every month, someone should verify that your installed AV Software is running, and that is updating automatically, with current virus definitions. Sometimes they stop working or updating because they get attacked between updates. You must remain virus free. Spyware Spyware is EVIL software that is getting worse every day. Spyware is probably what's wrong with your computer. If you have not run spyware removal software lately then I guarantee that you have some on your system. It's that simple. For you to remove the Spyware yourself, you must run an updated version of your favorite Spyware removal software at least once a month. Weekly is better. Just like Antivirus software, it needs to be updated all the time. However, unlike Antivirus software, most Anti-Spyware software will not update on its' own. Most have to be set to auto-update and protect you from further infection. Windows Updates Microsoft discovers and repairs flaws in their Windows Operating System on a near weekly basis. These "fixes" or "patches" are available for free at their website, and you should insure that your Windows updates are being done. Now that you probably have high speed internet, this step is critical for the security and functionality of your computers. Once you get some spyware, these security holes are being exploited. In Windows XP, you can schedule this to happen automatically in the Properties of My Computer. I use auto update for myself, and all peer to peer networking customers. In a server environment, I don't recommend it. For other Windows versions than XP, you should update your Windows on a monthly basis at windowsupdate.com Startup programs There are dozens of software programs that can start up when Windows loads, slowing your computer to a crawl. These are usually apparent in the task bar by your clock, and by pressing CTL - ALT - DEL to see the services and applications. If you need a scroll bar, you're bogged down! By using a Windows utility called msconfig you can manage your startup items. Go to Start - run and type msconfig - then press Enter. Go to the Startup tab and you'll see the choices under the startup tab. Be careful in there, and pay attention. Firewall A Firewall keeps people from coming into your computer over the internet. Spyware and Trojan horse viruses make it easier for hackers to get into your computers, but even when your system is clean, the risk of attack is still there, if there's a Windows hole (and there is). You need a firewall, and if you have a wireless connection, you need secure password protection on the router to keep your neighbors out. On a monthly basis, you need to be sure that your firewall, whether (software or hardware) is both turned on, and current. I can't tell you the number of times I find it intentionally disabled, with no malicious intent, but unprotected nonetheless. More knowledgeable users should review the logs for any abnormal activities. Windows XP has a free firewall that is much better than nothing, and getting better every month with Windows update. To insure yours is on, go to Start - Help and support - and type firewall. Disk Maintenance Windows has two built in utilities called Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter. Scandisk checks the surface of your hard disk for flaws or errors that may be developing, and Disk Defragmenter rearranges the files on your hard drive for faster and easier access. Depending on the version of Windows you're using, the names are a little different, but the utilities can always be accessed in the following way... Reboot first, minimizing the amount of programs running in your Startup. Go to My Computer, and right click on your hard drive (usually the C: drive). Go to Properties and select the Tools tab and run Scandisk or "error checking" and Disk Defragmenter or "Defragmentation". In some computers, you'll need to reboot again. It's well worth doing these once a month to keep an older computer running well, however, they are time consuming, and I confess, I do not run them. Ever. That's only because I have a good backup system. Backup, Backup, Backup You have to have a backup of all your important data. For some home users that means one folder (usually My Documents) and their email. For others, their data can be scattered all over a computer in different folders, or in some cases, a network. Just figuring out where the data is can be a problem. Get a handle on it right away and know what needs to be backed up. You will lose data some day, and you'll either be inconvenienced or devastated. It's your choice. I prefer to use a convenient local disk copying program called Second Copy. However, to protect against fire or theft, everything from my kids' baby pictures to last night's spread sheet is securely backed up and archived over the internet. Summary These things above are not difficult, but they take time. Someone in the business or family needs to see these gets done on a routine basis. If you do them, your computers will not only be more secure, but they'll run faster and have fewer problems. Scott Hendison lives in Oregon, and is the owner of Portland Technology Consultants. He is a computer and internet consultant, and has been in the industry since 1995. For over 75 other articles, visit his website at http://www.pdxtc.com
MORE RESOURCES:
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Plasma TV vs LCD TV For those seeking to buy their first flat panel TVdisplay device, it is easy to be confused with conflicting and counter claims bydifferent interest parties. So what is the truth in the competition between LCDand Plasma TV? Here's are some pointers before you rush out and buy your flatpanel TV on impulse . Tips For Finding Great Deals On Computer Accessories & Supplies Tip #1. Do a Google search. HTML Explained: Part 1 Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of course you do. Here's some advice on the matter, from a freelance copywriter who knows: it pays to learn the basics of HTML. Is Digital Camera Technology Making Film Obsolete? Perhaps not yet, but the handwriting might be on the wall?How is a digital camera different from a film camera? What are pixels and why are they important? What's the difference between optical and digital zoom? What advantages do digital cameras have compared to film cameras? Let's address these and other questions as we discuss digital camera technology.First a short history and overview of digital imaging?The technology began with television in the early 1950's when researchers discovered how to convert video images to electrical signals for storage on magnetic tape. Computer Viruses are Bad Luck OK, so you caught a computer virus and your system is all screwed up and you're frustrated and angry and upset. Bad luck. Buying a Personal Computer (PC) For many people the computer industry is a seeming unsolvable jungle filled with mysterious words. Here is a guide to help you understand the personal computer and to give you the information needed to make a shopping decision you can live with so you can enjoy your PC for years to come. Cisco Certification: What To Expect On Exam Day Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've practiced your configurations; you've used your flash cards over and over again; and finally, the big day is here. Your first certification exam!For many Cisco certification candidates, their first exam is the CCNA Composite exam or one of the two exams that make up the CCNA, the Introduction To Networking exam or the ICND (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices) exam. Compare MP3 Players for the Coolest Features and Sweetest Deals How can you compare mp3 players to be sure you're getting the best features and price? You've checked some mp3 player ratings, and they're helpful. But iPod reviews and ratings don't answer all your questions. Portable Technology: Getting to Know the Treo Up until the recent past, those who wanted to take advantage of a mobile phone, data organizer, wireless e-mail with text messaging, web browsing and a digital camera had to have separate units for each. With today's technology comes the Treo - offering all of those features in one small hand-held unit. EDTV vs HDTV Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The number of acronyms floating about with regard to digital TV is frightening. Selecting the Perfect Big Screen TV Selecting a TV isn't as easy as it used to be in years goneby. Rather than going to the local department store and choosing a console that would take up a large portion of the living room, we now have other options. A Beginners Guide to Avoiding Viruses "Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus means getting sick and no one in their right mind wants to be ill. Well, now that computers have become our close friends, it's a shock to learn that foreign bodies too can invade them with malicious intent. How to Switch to Firefox and Why You should First things first, what is Firefox? Well, it's a browser. Ok but what's that? A browser is a computer program used to view web pages, to browse through the world wide web. Lightning Season: How to Avoid Data Loss We have just entered the time of year that most electrical storms occur.Sudden loss of power, power surges, and electrical spikes are all very common causes of computer damage. How To Have Two (Multiple) Copies Of Windows Having two operating systems is not as difficult as many of us consider. It just requires little hard work and some good equipment. The Best MP3 Players Under $100 You don't have to fork out $250 for a super-diggy-whizbang mp3 player, do you? There are cheap mp3 players to be had, with a host of features perfectly suitable for everyday use. Here is a small sampling of some of the highest-rated cheap mp3 players. Favorite Things To Do With Home Technology Save money. Save 10-15% on utility bills per month. Selecting a Personal Digital Assistant A Computer in Your HandCarrying around an address book and planner is becoming a thing of the past. With new PDA developments, you can manage your contacts and schedule, use e-mail, and even listen to music. Why There Are Color Differences in Printing from Your PC This article describes the basic properties of color, what the relationships are between them and the differences between what you see and what you actually get using your inkjet cartridges.PropertiesMost of you will have come across these three; Hue, Saturation and Brightness; if you have ever messed around with color settings of your images. Computer Geeks and Garden Gnomes First and foremost before I begin my ranting it is worth mentioning that there are many very helpful and considerate people out there in the cyber wilderness who devote much of their time to providing open source and free scripts of all variations from PHP, CGI and Java to name but a few. They provide dedicated support, do not insist on payment, and spend much of their free time helping you avoid having to part with your hard earned cash to get free programs and scripts up and running on your websites.
|
| home | site map | contact us |
