Useful Tips

The Top 7:

• Invest in an excellent backup system and use it
• Invest in anti-virus software, update and use it
• Invest in anti-spyware software and use it
• Invest in a computer security plan and follow it
• Invest in a professionally built Web site
• Invest in a power protection system
• Consider the benefits of a service plan
• Consider Microsoft alternatives

Other Tips About:

Business Computers You Depend On
Doing software repairs yourself
How Additional software can hurt you
Passwords
Windows Users

Business Computers You Depend On

• Don't load these systems with anything unneeded
• No additional screensavers, wallpapers, etc
• No additional application programs
• No additional cute little anything
• No additional games or warez
• Use only what you need for business

Get another computer to use for exploration and testing.

Doing software repairs yourself:

• Always create and confirm a way out
• Avoid "digging and clicking" missions
• Don't let Scandisk, Disk Doctor or any software "fix" things for you if you don't understand what its "fixing".
• Don't think that upgrading will fix problems unless the manufacturer tells you it definitely will.

How Additional software can hurt you:

• Viruses can come from bootleg software
• Viruses can come from unneeded downloading
• All software uses resources affecting performance
• Use of resources needed for good performance
• Pop-up ads getting in the way of what you need
• More to break, manage and maintain
• Work time and bandwidth wasted
• Upgrades can break software

While things work most of the time, adding, deleting and upgrading software can cause problems. Some very serious like rendering the machine unusable (till fixed).

If its a business computer you depend on, you are better to get professional help than to guess at fixing problems. It can take forever to figure out and mis-steps can cause serious damage including unrecoverable data loss.

Passwords

Write down your passwords somewhere but keep them locked up. Also enclose a copy with your will and/or send a copy to your lawyer.

Make it a habit to change your password if you think someone else knows it or may know it. Just be sure not forget it yourself and to update your records.

Its also a good idea to have a few "disposable" passwords. These don't need to be so secure because you use them at Web sites where security is not very important.

However, do not use disposable passwords on sites that have stored your credit card or other sensitive information as part of your account.

• Good passwords - the foundation of security.
  Numerals, upper and lowercase letters are best
• Bad passwords - a broken foundation.
  Pet names, children's names, spouse's name
  Birth date, home address, phone number, etc.
• Excellent passwords - examples follow:
  Easy to remember but hard to break.

il2gsatm4c - acronym of the sentence
"I love to go shopping at the mall for clothes."

mD8mh4L - short for
"My dog ate my homework for lunch."

Windows Users

• If you are running Microsoft Windows and are having problems, before changing things or calling for help, reboot your computer, printer, etc. and try again.