Should You Leave Your Computer On At Night Or Turn It Off?

I’ve been asked by clients whether or not they should leave their computer on all the time or turn it off when they are not using it.

Several years ago I would have told my clients to turn their machines off to save power. But with the proliferation of viruses and threats over the last few years, I have changed my mind.

How to Pick a Good Password!

What’s the most common password? You guessed it…”password.” Obviously this is not the best way to protect yourself against hackers and online thieves. But even if you don’t use the word “password,” you might be using an equally easy password to decipher.

We suggest you DON’T use the following passwords for really important web sites, such as your online banking web site or other financially related sites.

Security Alert!

Ads for fake antivirus and antispyware programs are multiplying!

How to avoid getting tricked?

Many “reputable” sites are compromised and the owners don’t know it. So it’s not always where you surf. Here are four tips that may help you avoid getting infected.

1. Keep your computer updated with the latest antivirus and antispyware software, and be sure to use a good firewall.
2. Never open an email attachment unless you are POSITIVE about the source.
3. Do NOT click on any pop-up that advertises antivirus or antispyware software. If a virus alert appears on your screen. DON’T click on it, even to “close” it. Instead click the browser “X” button in the far upper right corner of the browser screen. Then call your computer guy.
4. Do not download freeware or shareware unless you know it’s from a reputable source. Many freeware and shareware programs come bundled with spyware, adware, or fake antivirus programs.

The best prevention is your own skepticism. The rule is: IF IN DOUBT, DON’T!

“What do Cars and Computers Have in Common?”

Both cars and computers are indispensible, complex and will eventually break.

Do you change the oil in your car? You probably do. But WHY? You do this to prevent problems that you MIGHT have in the future.

When was the last time you changed the oil in your computer? I know computers don’t have oil. But they do have parts and software that break … usually at the worst possible time.

“How to Safely Dispose of Old Computers”

With the new year upon us, many of you may have upgraded your old PCs for shiny new ones. So what should you do about that old PC left over?

Whatever you do, don’t just throw it into a dumpster! Not only is it an environmental hazard you could be fined for, but you also don’t want complete strangers getting access to your old files, passwords, financial information, and e-mails.

“Backup Alert To All iPod Users”

If you’ve been an iTunes and iPod customer for any length of time, you’ll quickly rack up the number of songs, videos, and audio books in your library. And, in no time flat, you can end up spending a small fortune.

But be warned! Most iTunes customers don’t realize that Apple will NOT allow you to re-download the music you’ve paid for, even if you lose every file because your computer dies, gets fried, infected, or destroyed.

“Is Your Computer Keyboard Making You Sick?”

Now that we’re at the height of cold and flu season, you might want to take a closer look at what’s living on your keyboard. A series of studies called “Germs in the Workplace,” found that the following four office surfaces had the most bacteria (in this order):

1. Your Phone
2. Your Desk
3. Your Computer Keyboard
4. Your Computer Mouse

Obviously these are items you touch all day, every day. Germs and dirt from your hands and mouth get transferred easily on to these items, and vice-versa, making them breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.

“The 19 Most Important Rules of E-mail Etiquette”

E-mail is quickly becoming the #1 way we communicate with friends, family, co-workers, employees, and clients. But be careful! E-mail messages cannot accurately deliver the tone of your message and what you thought was funny sarcasm may be interpreted as an insult to your reader.

More than 80 years have passed since Emily Post wrote her first book on etiquette. Back then, the rules had more to do with how to properly introduce someone and which fork to use at a dinner party. But with the introduction of new communication tools comes new rules. Below are 19 quick tips and rules for what is—and isn’t—acceptable behavior when using e-mail.

“5 Easy Ways to Avoid Getting an Avalanche of Spam”

Spam e-mails are not only annoying and time consuming, but they’re also becoming more dangerous to your personal privacy and the security of your computer. Millions of computers users are getting infected, spoofed, and tricked by spam e-mails every year, forcing the user to pay hefty fees to clean and restore their PCs back to working order.

So what can we do about this?

“The UPS Your Business Can’t Be Without (And, No, I’m Not Talking About The Post Office)”

A UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, is a battery backup power source for computers, servers and network equipment. When the power goes out, a UPS will keep your equipment going long enough to save any documents and shut down the machine properly. Why should you care?

Because, if you are actively working on a document when the power goes out, 1 of 3 things could happen.