How To Secure Your Computer System?

By Edwin Zhang

Today, more and more people are using their computers for everything from communication to online banking and investing to shopping. As we do these things on a more regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential hackers, attackers and crackers.

There are numerous ways in which the security of your computer can be breached. The most common threats come from worms, viruses, Trojans, phishing, hackers and crackers. Potential security breaches can come in the form of downloading unfamiliar email attachments, being monitored by spyware, maliciously attacked by malware, or probed through port scanning.

Computer security can be a difficult concept for many people. But as long as you follow these easy, cost-effective steps, you can take to make your computer more secure.

1. Always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.

There are so many ways you can lose the information on your computer. Your child decides to play Chopin on your keyboard, a power surge, lightening, a virus, or even simple equipment failure. Therefore, backing up the contents of your hard drive is an absolute MUST. By regularly making backup copies of your files and storing them in a separate location, you can typically get some, if not all, of your information back in the event your computer crashes.

2. Don't run unfamiliar programs on your computer and do not open unknown email attachments.

It sounds like common sense, but many of the most prominent attacks have involved spyware and email attachment worms such as Bagle and Netsky. If you don't recognize the sender, don't download its attachments. Sometimes it is simply not enough that you may recognize the address from which it originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar address.

3. Update and patch your operating system,web browser and other applications frequently.

Many industry experts believe that most network security attacks would be stopped if computer users would just keep their computers updated with patches and security fixes. Too often, we forget to do this on a regular basis. Remember that every day, new viruses, worms and Trojans are being created and distributed. They are looking for the weaknesses in your computer system. Having outdated software is basically the same as holding the door open and inviting them in for a visit.

4. Install a firewall.

Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs.

5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions.

6. Don't use weak passwords.
Use passwords which are difficult for someone to figure out. People frequently use the names of children, pets, anniversary dates, or birthdays. Because there seems to be a password needed for everything, it is not uncommon to see many people using the same password for everything.
Big mistake! The use of only one password provides a hacker with easy access to a smorgasbord of personal information. If you have to write your passwords down, it is best not to leave them on a post-it, attached to the screen of your computer. You may chuckle at the absurdity, but it happens more than you think.

7. Don't allow unrestricted physical access to your computer.

If you have sensitive or proprietary information on your computer, allowing other employees or family members to use your computer can lead to potential breaches in your computer's security.

For more information about pc security, please visit: http://www.pcsecurityarticles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edwin_Zhang

Computer Crafting Is Easier Than Ever Before

By M. Anderson

Why not try your hand at computer crafting? This type of crafting work has become quite popular over the past few years. Particularly with all the readily available and inexpensive software out on the market these days it really is quite easy. In fact, you might have some form of graphics software installed on your system right now putting you on the path to success.

Another fact about computer crafting are the vast numbers of websites devoted to all sorts of crafting possibilities. Computer crafting today combines some of the older crafting concepts with modern technology. Remember those iron-on transfers when you were a kid? With an inkjet printer and graphics software anyone can create their very own t-shirt transfers in a matter of minutes.

The best part is you do not need expensive software in order to complete these types of crafts. There are plenty of inexpensive and even free graphics programs that you can use to get your project completed. If you find yourself without any graphics software on your computer now, do a quick search on any of the big Search Engines for "free graphics software," you will receive plenty of results.

Maybe you are thinking that you have no artistic ability. Or that you could not possibly be able to create anything useful or desired with computer crafts. Fear not! Remember, with technology today, even using graphics software is as simple as clicking away at your mouse. Plus with the availability of free images, fonts and other graphics you do not have to be artistic. Let the software do the work while you make the decisions on how you would like everything to look.

Computer crafting becomes easier with the many do-it-yourself project kits made available by online crafting communities and retailers. By using one of these kits anyone can create crafts or gifts for family and friends with ease. These kits come with everything you would need in order to make calendars, coasters, mousepads and even puzzles.

Imagine being able to make a puzzle out of one of your favorite photos. With a puzzle kit you can! And by using one of these kits containing a 'ready to go' puzzle and transfer paper you are well on your way. It sounds easy because with a computer, an inkjet printer and one of these project kits you are all set.

Computer crafting is a fun way to spend your time making gifts everyone will enjoy receiving. All you need is the desire and you can start today!

M. Anderson is the "Inkjet Expert" when it comes to iron-on and specialty transfer paper. To learn more about computer crafting, Do-It-Yourself project kits and everything Inkjet visit http://www.printonit.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Anderson

The Easiest Way to Move Songs from an iPod to a Computer

By Tl Kleban

Probably the single most frequently-asked question from iPod owners is “How do I copy music from my iPod back to my computer?” You’ll hear this most from people who just purchased new computers but are stuck with their entire library on another computer and inaccessible.

Although Apple’s iTunes program is very good at keeping a computer-based library for transferring songs from your computer to your iPod, moving them in the opposite direction from an iPod to a computer is a bit more advanced and actually an advanced procedure even for users with a moderate amount of computer experience.

The way to get around this little roadblock is by enabling your iPod accessible for disk use. Here are a few steps how to accomplish this for both Windows and Macs.

• Well you can’t do much without connecting your iPod up to the computer, so do hook that up first. Windows users will find this project much easier to accomplish than those using Macs.
• Now that your iPod is connected to your computer and iTunes, go to the “Control Panel” and find the “Tools” section. You’ll be looking for the “Folder Options.” Now, under “Advanced Options,” click on “Show hidden files and folders.” Click the “Apply to all Folders” setting and hit “Okay.”
• Now, open up the “My Computer.” Find folder labeled iPod and double click on it. Your iPod will more than likely be found under external storage devices in the “My Computer” folder.
• Now that you are in your iPods file, try to find the folder that contains all of the MP3s. It is normally named "iPod Control” or something very similar to that. Locate the “Music” folder and browse through the subdirectories. You will see that all the file names will be random numbers and letters.
• Copy and paste the songs you want to move over to your computer. Another option you try is to drag the entire folder onto the desktop if you wanted to just move everyone song on your iPod over.
• Now that you moved all your songs from the iPod over to your computer in an MP3 format, you can easily add them to the iTunes library. This can be done by selecting all the songs and dragging them into iTunes or clicking “File” then “Add to Library.” Either way will work.
• For those of you out there who own a Mac, the process is slightly different. First off, you’ll need to enable your iPod for disk use. This is done by clicking the “iPod” icon in your iTunes and checking "Enable for Disk Use" under options in the “Summary” tab.
• You’re now ready to begin moving songs over from your iPod to your computer. This is simply done by dragging and dropping files from your iPod to your computer. Access your iPod like you would with an external hard drive, access the files and drag and drop them to your desktop or a folder to copy.

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How to Remove Spyware From My Computer

By Vanesa Ayala

Having spyware installed on your computer can have serious precautions for you and your computer. Spyware does exactly what it suggests, it spies on you. This can be interesting for advertisers. Because by spying on you they know what kind of sites and products you like. With this information they can show the most interesting ads for you.
Spyware is very powerful software, it gives full control over your computer to the developer of the spyware program. It is as scary as it sounds. Unlike viruses, whose goal usually is to damage your computer, spyware wants to gather information from you and your computer and remain undetected. Some computers run perfectly for years with spyware installed on them.

The more dangerous spyware variants can do more then just spy on your surfing habits. For example there are spyware programs that can detect when you are entering a credit card number and send the information to an anonymous server. Once they have your credit card details, they can do with it as they please. Also passwords from some sites are very interesting for these spyware developers. Can you imagine that they steal your paypal password? Your account will be empty before you know it.

To protect yourself from spyware, you can simply install a spyware scanner. A spyware/adware scanner can scan, detect and remove any spyware/adware programs that got installed on your PC. Some of the more intelligent scanners can even scan your computer real time, preventing you from installing the spyware in the first place.
Learn more about spyware removers

Home Based Computer Business - Free ebook

By Brian McGregor

There are literally thousands of different types of potential home based computer business that you could start. Fortunately, we have the marvelous Google to help us research what will most suitable for you or for me.

A good place to start is to decide what we are prepared to commit to our new home based computer business, before we actually begin researching for opportunities which might meet our criteria.

Here are three of the fundamental considerations:

1. Money

When starting any business, you can expect to pay some costs. These will normally be in several areas. You may need to purchase items before you can sell them for profit. You might need to pay a licence fee for the privilege of being in the business you choose. You may have to invest in marketing - it is unlikely that you will get your business off the ground without any marketing spend.

You may need to invest in new PC equipment. If your present PC configuration is aged, you could find it necessary to update or indeed replace your system. Also, there could be the need to buy new software in order to operate your business in the way which is most effective.

In summary, create a spreadsheet, and commit potential expenditure to it and work out how much you need to invest up front. Be honest with yourself. There is no point in under estimating your costs – your business will find you out. Also, it will pay you to be pessimistic in your sales forecasts. It’s a fact that 90% of business fail in the first few months. This is frequently due to the expectation of income being too optimistic. It will always take you longer to make that first sale. And it will always take you longer than you think to break even.

2. Time

The second major consideration is about how much time you can commit to your new home based computer business. This is another area in setting up your business which is usually under estimated. There are always unexpected activities which arise as you move forward.

You might plan to spend only a portion of your spare time hours in running your new business. What happens is that the time you are required to invest will stretch to virtually take up every waking hour you can spare. So be prepared.

3. Expertise

If you’ve never set up any business before, then you are at the worst end of the learning curve. Not only are you asking yourself to know all about your products and markets, you also have the unavoidable overhead of simply being in business.

When you set up your first business, and you are doing it single handedly, you have to be your own sales person, marketer, accountant, storeman, order processor, debt collector, payment processor, personnel department etc.

The keys are to be prepared, and to be realistic. It’s a big ask, and is why if you make it you can be very proud of yourself.

About the Author

Brian McGregor shows how you can start a home based computer business selling video training in the latest Microsoft software here http://www.universal-ebooks.com

Plus, here's a free ebook about starting a home based computer business.