Use a Different Password for Insecure Websites
We all do it: we have a single username and password that we use for our every account we have on the Internet. The only problem is, all websites are not created equal. When you log into your bank the connection is probably encrypted, whereas the connection to a gaming site, blog or forum probably isn't.
The Problem
No big deal, right? Wrong! Hackers can easily sniff unencrypted passwords out of Internet traffic. You may think that if a hacker steals your username and password for a forum or chat site it's trivial, but if that password is identical or similar to the one you use to log in to your online banking, that's can be a problem!
What if a hacker steals your email account? Again, you may not consider that a big deal. But all most services require to change your password is your email address. They will send a password reset link to that address, which the hacker can then use to reset your password.
The Solution
The following tips will help you keep your online accounts safe from hackers and password sniffers.
- Familiarize yourself with your browser, and know how to determine if you are logging into a secure or insecure website.
- Use a different username and password combination when registering for secure and insecure websites. That way if a hacker does get the password to your blog, at least it can't be used to log into your bank accounts and other critical online services.
Got a tip related to website usernames and passwords? Leave a comment and I'll add them to the article!
What is Fragmentation?
Fragmentation is one of the primary ailments that infects a slow computer. You might have heard the word before. Someone might have even taught you how to fix it. But most of us don't know what fragmentation is, how it occurs, and--unlike a virus or spyware--why we're stuck living with fragmentation in our lives. Without getting into too many technical details, let me explain what fragmentation is.
How Long do you Try Repairing Before Reformatting?
As a small-time computer consultant I've dealt with dozens of customers who bring me computers loaded with viruses and spyware. I'm of the school of thought that a reformat is never neccessary, that--given enough work--any infestation can be overcome. But there is a point of diminishing returns, and I'd like to know where others think that point lies.
I've arbitrarily decided that at my current rates it's no longer worth my customer's hard-earned money to try and root out an infestation beyond two hours of labor. After that I suggest a reformat. Where do you draw the line?
A Word About Total Protection Software
My friend Dan over at Outsmart Technology wrote a fantastic article about choosing the right antivirus package. As a followup to Dan's article and my own article yesterday explaining what a virus is and how your computer actually becomes infected, I wanted to voice my opinion about so-called "total protection" packages being sold by the top names in personal computer security. That opinion is, stated bluntly, that their software is bloated, junky, and not worth your money.
Computer Viruses Explained
It happens at least once a week: a client, friend, or relative calls me in a panic and proceeds to explain, often in colorful terms, that their computer is acting strangely and they're afraid that they've caught a virus. I listen calmly, then make a trip to their home or business to diagnose the problem for myself. In my experience one, maybe two of these calls out of ten actually result in the discovery of a real virus. Admittedly that's only part of the story, so before you start thinking that viruses aren't a threat to your PC, let me explain.
Configuring Windows Automatic Updates
In a previous post I talked about the importance of keeping your software current by installing patches and updates. Microsoft, in an effort to make this process as painless as possible, has made updating an integrated part of their operating systems. This article will explain how to turn on automatic updating in Windows XP and Vista and discuss best practices about it's configuration.
The Basics, Part 1: What’s a web browser?
Though the web browser is probably the single most frequently used software application on any individual's computer, few people know how to describe it. This article will explain what a web browser is, what it does, and how to choose the best one to fit your needs.
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