Here are seven practices that will help your computing be more efficient and safer.

Don't save your password in IE/Firefox/Chrome
Why?
There are spyware/virus that will read your stored IDs/Passwords.  Electing NOT to have your password saved in your Internet Browser will help prevent your ID/Password from being captured if your computer is infected with a spyware/virus.

Delete your browser's temporary Internet Files Regularly
Why?
Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome save the images and pictures in a cache for each website you visit.  Deleting them on a regular basis help speed-up your Internet activities since there are fewer images your computers has to manage in the cache.  This also helps prevent spyware from installing on your computer.

Run the Disk Clean-up About Once a Month
Why?
Your computer generates numerous temporary files during normal operation.  These temporary files should be deleted when the computer is done with them, but it doesn't always happen.  Running the Disk Clean-up will ensure these unneeded files are removed.

Run the Disk Defragmenter About Once a Month
Why?
Your computer saves files by dividing it up into smaller pieces (like a paper shredder) then saving them in a scattered fashion on your hard drive (your computer has the smarts to  re-assemble each file so it appears complete when we retire it).  Over time, the scattering of your files will start to slow-down your hard drive since it has to work harder to retrieve all the 'pieces' in order to assemble your file.  Defragmenting your hard drive will bring all your file pieces for each file closer to each other making your computer run faster.

Here's how (same process for Vista/Windows 7)

Wait until your laptop is COMPLETELY shut-down before shutting the lid
Why?
When your computer shuts down, it has to close/exit all the programs that are currently running - which takes time.  If you shut the lid while your computer is going through this process, your computer starts another task - sleep.

When your computer goes to sleep it tries to remember all of the programs and files that are open at that moment so it can restore itself to the same state when it wakes up.  If you shut-the lid when your computer is shutting down you are trying to get it to do two different tasks at the same time which can lead to problems (corrupted files, can't start your computer, etc.)

Close/Exit Outlook before shutting the lid on your laptop
Why?
The files that hold all your information in Outlook typically are very large (usually in the Gigabytes).  When you shut the lid to your laptop to put it to sleep, your laptop tries to remember everything currently open and running on your computer including your large Outlook files.  In my experience, this causes problems like when you re-start your computer Outlook won't open, function, or perpetually re-starts.

Don't log into your financial accounts on public computers
Why?
Public Computers are not closely monitored and may be compromised with a spyware or virus that can record your ID and Password.  This includes public computers at work, copy centers, vacation spots, etc.

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Many people don't know. Worse, some assume they have security software installed on their computer and they don't.

Why is this Important?
You may be asking, 'Why is having security software on my computer important? My AOL/Time Warner/PeoplePC/ATT scans my emails both inbound and outbound. Aren't I protected?'  The answer is no.

Although ISPs do scan emails, this protection is only effective against viruses and worms - threats that are most likely to be propogated by e-mail. The most prolific threat - spyware isn't. Spyware is transmitted through fake websites (fake websites that appear as the result of a search on Google/Yahoo/Bing etc.), websites with a rotating ad banner that has been hijacked, or even running an application from Facebook/MySpace or another social website.

What Security Software Do I Have?
You can learnn what security software you have by looking at your Add/Remove programs in your control panel. Here's how:
In Windows XP:
1. Start > Control Panel
2. Double Click 'Add/Remove Program'
3. Look for your security software

In Vista/Windows 7:
1. Click the Start Button
2. Enter 'Add or remove programs' in the search field
3. Look for your security software

What do I need to look for?
Here is a list of popular security software:

• McAfee
  • Total Security
  • Internet Protection
  • Antivirus
    
• Symantec
  
  • AntiVirus
  • Internet Security
  • Norton 360
    
• AVG
  
  • AVG Internet Security
  • AVG AntiVirus (Free)
    
• Kaspersky
  • Internet Security
  • Antivirus
    
• TrendMicro
  • Internet Security
  • AntiVirus/AntiSpyware
    
• BitDefender 2010
  
• PCTools
  • Internet Security
    
• Spyware Doctor
  • AntiVirus
    
• Panda AntiVirus 2010

What if I don't have security software?
A few manufacturers offer a free version of their security software.  Here are a few that you can download for free:

AVG AntiVirus Free 9.0 Click here
PCTools AntiVirus Free Click here

Be sure you are protected!

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I am sure you can relate to this scenario:  You need to download and complete a PDF in order to meet some kind of requirement, but when you finally download the required PDF you find that it is not setup as a form that can be easily filled-in.  I have faced this bane several times.  Now there is a solution.

FillAnyForm is a free on-line service that will allow you to fill-in any PDF file.  https://www.fillanypdf.com/

All you need to do is:
1. Create your account
2. Upload your PDF
3. Use the on-line tools to fill-in the PDF form
4. Save and/or Print
5. You're done!

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You may have purchased a new computer with then realized that your printer, scanner, Bluetooth adapter, whatever may not be compatible with Windows 7. But before you rush out to purchase a replacement try this:

First:
Try plugging in your device to your computer. The beauty about Windows 7 is that it has drivers for a variety of devices and accessories built-in. When you plug in your device, Windows 7 will attempt to identify what it is and install the appropriate software.

Second:
See if the manufacturer of your device or accessory offers software that is compatible with Window 7. Manufacturers have been well aware of Windows 7 for some time and may have posted updated software for it. Usually, you can find it by going to the manufacturer's software, then clicking the link for Support or Support and Downloads.

Third:
See if the manufacturer offers a software update that is compatible with Vista. Vista and Windows 7 are very similar (internally) and the Vista version may be enough to get you going.

That's it!

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Today is the last in the series of wireless networks.  In this blog, I want to share with you how Bluetooth networks work.

You probably see Bluetooth or Bluetooth capable electronics like your computer, cell phone, accessories like mice/keyboards, printers, and even cars.  But what does it mean and how does it work?

The name Bluetooth comes from a Danish king that united disparate villages into a single kingdom.  The idea for the Bluetooth technology is the same - provide a single standard/interface to connect multiple electronic devices wirelessly.  There are actually different Bluetooth standards like the other wireless networks, but the differences between each are irrelevant for this conversation.

Let's look at a few Bluetooth wireless models:

Bluetooth is designed to make a wireless connection between these devices easy.  Keep in mind that the two devices must be line-of-site and no more than maximum distance of about 33ft from each other.   

Why would you want to buy a Bluetooth device?
Since Bluetooth offers a short-distance wireless connection you can use it to connect a hands-free earpiece to your cell phone, a wireless headset for your computer, or even a wireless connection for your mouse without the need for a USB adapter!

As for me, I used to use a wired earpiece for my cell phone but it would get caught on my parking brake and yaked out of my ear when I would egress my car.  Of course I use a Bluetooth earpiece now.

Caveat about Bluetooth
The current Bluetooth standard is probably one of the most unsecure wireless connections available (I'll skip the list of vulnerabilities). But if possible try to change the password from your Bluetooth device from 0000 to something else.  Or try changing your device's Bluetooth status to 'Hidden'.

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This is my second article in a series explaining how wireless networks work.  Today I want to share how the wireless systems provided by ATT, Sprint, Verizon, Clear, etc work.

You have undoubtedly seen the commercials for data cards/USB adapter that plug into your laptop and provide Internet access while on the go.  You may even have one of these devices and use it while on-the-road - which is great since you don't have to hope you are within range of a wireless signal to connect your laptop to the Internet.

Let's take a look at a simple model so we can understand how it works:

Internet <---> Cell Phone Tower <---> (Device/Modem) connected to Laptop

When you plug-in a data card/USB adapter to your laptop, it acts like an old-fashion modem (actually it is a modem) to connect your laptop to the Internet.  Here's the process:

1. It establishes a connection from your laptop to the closest cell phone tower
2. The connection is then carried from the cell phone tower to the Internet by wire, fiber optic cable or whatever the carrier has setup to connect your signal to the Internet

Step 2 is where the 3G and 4G come into play.

• 3G stands for 3rd Generation which is also the name of the standard used to make the connection between your Laptop and Cell Phone Tower.  It also correlates to the speed that these two can communicate which is around 14Mbps (that's megabits per second) but usually around 5Mbps.  Currently all providers are using 3G.
• You can probably guess that 4G stands for 4th generation.  It is the newest wireless standard which many carriers have only started to deploy.  4G promises rates of 100Mbps to 1000Mbps (1000Mbps = 1Gbps, gigabit per second) which is exceptionally fast.  Upgrading from 3G to 4G is a very expensive endeavor that costs wireless carriers millions of dollars. This is why 4G is not widely deployed in the US as of yet

By contrast, your DSL service or Cable Modem offers download rates around 7Mbps but can be as high as 20Mbps depending on the level of service you have.

You are probably thinking, "Wow! I should just dump my Road Runner or ATT DSL subscription with those speeds."  Well, before you cut the cord let me mention that you may not realize the full speed of 3G or even 4G connections.

This is because wireless communications are subject to a variety of interference.  For example, other radio signals, objects between your laptop and the cell phone tower, and even the distance to the closest cell phone tower are all factors that slow-down your actual speed.  The more of these factors, the slower your speed.

For the most part, the fastest and most reliable connection to the Internet is still through a network cable.

I hope my explanation provides some understanding about how this wireless network works.  Next week we’ll talk about Bluetooth wireless.

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I want to start the New Year with a short series about wireless networks specifically covering the how your computer communicates wirelessly.

Your may have noticed that your laptop, router, iPhone or other device labeled with something like Wireless 'A/B' or Wireless 'G' or even just 'N'.

To understand what these mean, let’s start with understanding a simple model of a Wi-Fi network like at your home or office (Wi-Fi usually refers to a wireless network that covers a small area like a home or office.  This is different than other types of networks that we will cover in the next Tip).

INTERNET <----> MODEM <----> ROUTER <----> LAPTOP or DESKTOP

1. A connection from the Internet is funneled through the Modem provided by an ISP like: ATT, Time Warner, Cox Communication, etc.  Modems are usually are usually the thin black box, or the box labeled with Westech or 2Wire on your network (ATT combines the Modem and Router into one device).

2. The Modem translates the connection to the Router (usually made by Linksys, Netgear, etc)

3. The Router connects your computer(s) either with a cable or wirelessly.
 
Step 3 is where the A, B, G, and N come into play.

This alphabet soup represents different wireless standards i.e. the way your Router or Laptop/Desktop communicate with each other.

• The A standard communicates at up to 54Mbps (Mbps = Mega bits per second - the higher the number the faster the speed) but has a shorter range
• The B standard communicates at up to 11Mbps and has a longer range, but works as a slower speed
• The G standard combines the benefits of A and B.  It can communicate at up to 54Mbps and has a longer range than A
• The N standard ups the ante with higher speed and range.  It can communicate faster than 270Mbps.  This is faster than most computers that are connected by cable to a router (270Mbps vs. 100Mbps)!

Faster is better, but there are trade-offs.

• First, 'N' type wireless equipment is typically more expensive than the second fastest 'G'. 
• Second, the N standard has not been officially adapted as a standard.  This means that 'N' Wireless equipment from Linksys may not work with 'N' Wireless equipment from Netgear.
• Third, you may not realize a difference with 'N' standard equipment. If you just check emails, surf the web you may not notice a difference.  But, if you find yourself consistently downloading large files playing games, or watching videos then the upgrade will make a difference.

I hope this clarifies some of the mystery for Wi-Fi networks.  Next week we will cover WLAN networks - The Data Cards/USB Adapters from ATT, Verizon, Sprint, etc.

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