Online Diary of AlRitch: Computers

Showing posts with label Computers. Show all posts

April 04, 2023

Protecting Your Data - Tips to Avoid a Breach

A data breach happens when sensitive personal information is stolen or exposed. It can cause problems for companies and individuals alike.

Fortunately, you can help protect your personal information and avoid becoming a data breach victim. In this article, we'll discuss tips to help you do that.

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Change Your Passwords Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to protect your data is to change your passwords regularly. This should happen at least once a month or every few months, depending on the importance of your accounts.

Regularly changing your passwords will help ensure that your data is not compromised, even after a breach occurs.

Passwords should be unique and challenging for hackers to guess. Make your passwords at least 12 characters long, but 14 or more is ideal.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are the first line of defense against hackers and cyber threats. They prevent unauthorized access to your electronic accounts and devices, keeping your sensitive personal information safe.

They also limit the damage that hackers can do to your account, as it is difficult for them to crack it. Hackers often use brute force attacks (trying every possible combination of numbers, letters, and special characters) to guess your password.

A good password is long, uses a mixture of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols, and doesn't contain personal information. It should also be memorable enough to remember without writing it down.

Change Your Passwords Often

When you change your passwords often, it makes it harder for hackers to access your accounts. This also reduces the risk of someone else stealing your personal information.

It would help to change your passwords when you move computers around. This helps protect your accounts from being hacked by anyone who has access to your old computer.

Changing your passwords is especially important when you share accounts with friends or family members.

Change Your Passwords on All Devices

One of the best ways to avoid a data breach is to change your passwords on all your devices. This will help ensure that if someone does hack your account, they can't use any of the information they have gained.

The best way to do this is by using a strong password manager. These apps can securely store all your passwords, regardless of length or complexity. They can also alert you if your passwords have been compromised, helping you keep your personal information safe.

Change Your Passwords on All Websites

If one of your websites or apps becomes the victim of a data breach list, all your personal information is at risk. Hackers can use stolen usernames and passwords to access your accounts, drain your funds, or even commit identity theft.

Changing your passwords on all websites is the best way to ensure that you're not the target of a breach. Using unique and complex passwords for each account can make it more difficult for hackers to steal your data.

Change Your Passwords on All Social Media Accounts

One of the easiest ways to avoid a breach is to change your passwords on all social media accounts. This will reduce the number of people accessing your funds and help prevent phishing and fishing attacks.

Use a strong password that is at least six characters long. This is important, as a longer password can be easily cracked.

Passwords should also be unique for every account. For example, use a different password for your social media and business email accounts.

Change Your Passwords on All Email Accounts

When you use a strong password, it can protect your email account from hackers. However, if the password is reused on other charges, it can be hacked again, which could put your data at risk.

One way to prevent this is to change the password on all your email accounts. This can be time-consuming, but it will help ensure you don't get breached again.

A good password should be unique and hard to guess. It should also be extended and contain numbers, special characters, and upper and lower-case letters.

Change Your Passwords on All Online Accounts

Changing your passwords on all online accounts is especially important in the wake of a data breach. This will ensure that even if a hacker gains access to one report, they won't be able to use the password for another account.

When choosing passwords, it's essential to choose a word or phrase that is hard to guess. This can help avoid phishing and identity theft attacks.

Set Up a Backup

The best way to avoid a data breach is to set up a backup of all your essential files. This ensures that your personal information is safe if something goes wrong with your computer or phone.

The backup is usually stored on an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or some other storage media that can be accessed and restored in case the original data is lost. It can also be stored in a physical office or the cloud.

March 14, 2023

How To Organize Your Desktop Files For Professional Purposes

by AlRitch, in Desktop Computers

Pexels - CC0 License

It’s easy to take it all for granted these days, but basic computer literacy skills are not always the most obvious, and not everyone is fully skilled in them. This is understandable, and even well-worn professionals will need refreshers on matters like cybersecurity practice from time to time.

Moreover, sometimes a lack of familiarity with a certain system can be an obstacle. For instance, it’s recently been reported that Gen Z workers are having trouble understanding printer/scanner systems, and filing systems outside of the closed loops offered by many smartphones. This isn’t something to mock them for, as not all of this knowledge has been necessary until they hit the workforce.

That said, it’s not just about being unaware, but also non-optimal in your daily practice that demands a second look. So, in this post, let’s look at how to better organize your desktop files for professional use:

Learn To Name Files Correctly

The first step in organizing your desktop files is to give them clear and descriptive names that make it easy to find them later. Yes, this includes files too. It’s a good habit to get into, because if you misname one folder or set of files it might take up to an hour for you to figure all of this out again, and if you add up all of the seconds you spend searching for the right document, that adds up over time. You might also add some of these files to your quick access shortcuts depending on what operating system you use.

Descriptive file names should include the name of the project or client, the date, and a brief description of the content too. Proper file naming conventions will help you avoid confusion and ensure that you can quickly locate the files you need, but make sure to keep it brief, and in cases of revisions, you can use numbers to showcase your workflow when you return to this index later on.

Learn What Each File Type Is For & How It's Best Used

Understanding the different file types and their intended use can help you organize your desktop files more efficiently, even if you think you’re familiar with them. For instance, text documents like Word or Google Docs are ideal for writing and editing, while image files like JPG or PNG are best for visual content. This much is easy.

But do you know how to digitally sign a PDF, how to compress a PDF such as with this guide here, https://setapp.com/how-to/compress-pdf-files, and how to lock a PDF so only the intended recipient can open it? Moreover, learning how to make scans into PDF’s can help you keep your physical documents backed up.

Familiarity with file types can help you avoid making mistakes, like having trouble opening an OpenOffice file when renaming the document would have made it compatible with Microsoft Word, saving you a confused email.

Configure Your Settings

Configuring your desktop settings can help you customize your desktop to suit your needs and preferences. For instance, you can customize your desktop icons, select the size of your thumbnails, and configure the sort order of your files in that way.

On Windows desktops, you can also set your operating system to show hidden files, meaning that you can ensure everything on your system is visible to you. Disabling auto-updates can be useful if you’re about to give a presentation, while making sure your work laptop only plays sound when you have headphones in can be important, too. By adjusting your settings, you can make your desktop more efficient and user-friendly, without the simple annoyances that add up over time.

Back-Up To Your Cloud Storage Folder

Backing up your files to a cloud storage folder, like Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, or Google Drive, can help you protect your work in case of a hardware failure or other data loss event, which you can bet is the most frustrating issue in the world, particularly in a professional context.

Luckily, this is mostly quite simple, you just need to download the software and have it pointed at folders you wish to be backed up around the clock. This means if you save a change to a file within that folder, that too will be updated. You can also make sure that backing up your cloud storage on your work phone is enabled too, which has the same effect.

Learn About Sharing Permissions

If you work collaboratively with others, it's important to understand the sharing permissions of your desktop files, lest you’re asked for a particular file type but you aren’t able to provide it. Often, a shareable link can be provided, as well as access you wish to give straight from your cloud storage. In some cases, you can even send these links securely through apps like Microsoft Teams so you can enjoy immediate communication with those in the office.

By learning how to set permissions for each file, you can control who can access and edit your work. Understanding sharing permissions can help you protect your work and ensure that it is only accessed by authorized users, too, and this might mean gradations such as those who work within your company, or assigning a particular email address to the file.

Consider Your Use Of Hardware Backups

While cloud storage is an excellent way to protect your files, it's worth considering how useful your hardware backup devices are. External hard drives or USB drives can provide an additional layer of protection for your work and ensure that you always have access to your files, even if you don't have an internet connection, or if you need them offline in a pinch.

Some files might be limited from being downloaded on unapproved home computers, and so some people use USB’s to transfer files from their work computer to their home computer but make sure you follow the right cybersecurity measures if you do this.

With this advice, you’re sure to organize your desktop files for professional purposes, in the best possible context.

June 16, 2015

Top Tips to Make Your Computer Live Longer

by AlRitch, in Gadgets & Technology

Computers are expensive these days, but they don’t last forever. Some of the best computers can cost thousands and thousands of pounds, and they will still eventually grow old and slow. Some computers will break down sooner than others, but there are ways you can make your computer ‘live longer’. Use these top tips to help you:

Clean it Carefully

Your computer should be cleaned carefully to keep it in good condition. You can buy canisters of air perfect for cleaning out the keys, and a good cloth should help to keep the screen free from marks like fingerprints and other things. Make sure you buy suitable products and always follow the instructions to avoid damaging your machine.

Perform Maintenance on it

Maintenance needs to be performed on your computer to ensure it’s clean and running at it’s best. You probably have a ton of things on your computer that you don’t need or use, so make sure you clean it up. There are systems you can download on your computer to do it for you, or your machine may already have some installed. Some machines don’t require any maintenance at all, but those are top end machines.

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Protect it from Viruses and Hackers

Your computer must be protected from viruses and hackers if you want it to stand the test of time. Not all computers need anti-virus software installed, as some do the job automatically. Again, these are the top end machines. To protect your machine from hackers, make sure you avoid dodgy looking sites and always have a different password for each platform you use.

Don’t Open Strange Messages and Emails

With social media and emails, we can get strange messages from people we don’t know. These messages might contain links and other things, with a provocative message trying to get you to open. It might say something like ‘is this you in this photo?’ with a link. This is usually a ploy to get you to click the link, so avoid these messages like the plague! That isn’t to say you can’t fix a computer after a mistake like this, but it can be expensive. A good computer repair company should be able to help you.

Watch Your Drinks

Sounds simple, but having drinks near your computer could be a disaster waiting to happen. I know this first hand. After purchasing an expensive macbook, I went to take a sip of my pint of water and spilt it all over the machine. As you can imagine, it all ended in tears and I had to get a new machine. Lesson learned! Eating near your computer can also be a bad idea if you get crumbs and other bits on it.

If you make sure you’re careful and use the tips in this guide, you should get the most out of your computer. They don’t come cheap, so do what you can to ensure a long life. Do you have some tips of your own? Share them below in the comments section!

March 01, 2014

Save Big on Your Next Computer Purchase

by AlRitch, in Gadgets

In our current mode of society when it is nearly passe to be without a laptop computer, there is no excuse for spending an amount over your budget when it comes to making your next laptop purchase. Because laptops are so ubiquitous among business persons, students, families and professionals alike, the turnover rate of secondhand computers is rapid and ever increasing. It has never been so easy to acquire last year's laptop model for a reduced price by buying it pre owned. Consequently, though, it has never been quite so expensive to purchase a brand new laptop computer. Take advantage, therefore, of this pricing structure, you may still require to look for external funding. Payday loans can provide extra funding when buying your next laptop although you may wish to go for a model that is a year or two old. You won't be too far behind the most up to date technology, and you will be paying a price that is much less than the standard market tag.

Why Buy Secondhand?

Skip the lines at the Apple store and the holiday bargains and deals on new laptop computers, which won't provide discounts nearly as good as those you will find when shopping for a secondhand computer. Essentially, there is no reason to own the brand new version of the laptop from your favorite brand of electronics unless you need to be abreast of the absolute latest in technological advancement. You wouldn't necessarily get rid of your motor vehicle just because a more current version of it came out, would you? The same principle ought to apply to your laptop, if you are a savvy consumer. Barring your computer malfunctioning or growing simply too far behind in specifications and features, aim to hold on to your laptop for as long as you can in order to utilize its maximum value. Only upgrade when it is absolutely necessary, and even then make sure you recycle or trade in your old laptop computer through one of the many available programmes to get a chunk of change that can go towards your next purchase.

Where to Buy Pre Owned Laptops

Although you may be able to try your luck posting up advertisements in your local community or searching on UK based secondhand networks for laptop computers, your best bet when hunting down a quality pre owned laptop is no doubt going to be worldwide auction leader eBay. The secondhand laptop selection on eBay runs the gamut from computers for parts to brand new, in the box laptops that have never been used. But all are priced far below what you would pay if buying the device new. Because of the auction format of the service, you may be able to get lucky and score a deal that is unbelievable simply because you were the only bidder. Searching for the precise computer you want is made easy on eBay with their advanced search function, in which you can specify the make, model, year, hard drive capacity, speed, features and price range of the laptop that you want. Depending on how old the model of laptop you are eyeing is, and what sort of condition it is in, you may be able to get a deal in which you are paying somewhere between 20%-75% of its original price. When shopping for laptop computers on eBay, make sure you take into account the return policy of the seller as well as their particular ratings before your purchase. Some sellers may provide you with insurance for a specified amount of time, but otherwise it is a prudent idea to take out household goods insurance on your laptop once you make your purchase, so that you are protected in case of hard drive failure, water damage, or theft.

February 27, 2014

Best Memphis Computer Repair

by AlRitch, in Computers

I don't know about everyone else, but I HATE IT when my computer freezes! Even if it's just running slow, my patience runs out quickly. Of course, this just goes to show how spoiled I've become over the years since computers nowadays are supposed to be a million times faster than they were a decade ago. But I don't care. I want my computer fixed, and I want it fixed NOW!

Thank the Lord for Cooper Systems Inc., or as I like to call them, the best Memphis computer repair service! I was extremely pleased with everything about their company. From their customer service to the quality of their work, they definitely went way beyond my expectations. Especially when I compare them to the supremely unhelpful IT department at my office.

Let's start with their top-notch customer service. The Memphis computer repair technician who came to my home was very friendly and helpful (did I mention they offer fast repairs both on-site and at their shop?). I could tell the person was a true IT expert that understood computers inside and out. He fixed my computer in less than 30 minutes and recommended a number of antivirus upgrades that were absolutely free!

Onto the quality of the actual computer repairs provided. In the past, whenever I got my computer fixed, it would run well for a couple weeks and then the problems would start up again. With Cooper Systems, my computer has been running smoothly for months! I can only imagine how much time this has saved me over time.

Finally, and some would say most importantly, the price. Other Memphis computer repair services have told me that they would need to rebuild my computer entirely and that I would probably be better off just buying a new computer (which of course they were happy to sell me at a high price). Cooper Systems gave me a much more affordable price and then told me about all the upgrades I would need to avoid computer issues in the future.

Since my experience working with Cooper Systems, I have recommended them to numerous friends and family members. Everyone who was smart enough to follow my advice agrees that they are the best computer repair service in Memphis and beyond. Simply put, nobody else can compete with their combination of quality service, helpful support, and discounted prices.

So if your computer has been running slow or crashing frequently there is no questions about who you should call. You can bring your computer to Cooper Systems for Memphis computer repair or request a trained technician to come to your location, whichever is more convenient for you! They told me I could save $20 if I brought my computer to their shop, but if you're busy like me, the on-site service is much more convenient. In my opinion, they are the only computer repair service in Memphis I'll ever need!

Sincerely,

A Truly Satisfied Customer (Joe Jones)

About the author:

On Site Computer Repair and Network Service Areas - no trip charge and no travel time to these local areas, including: Greater Memphis, TN area, Germantown TN, Collierville TN, Cordova TN, Bartlett, TN, Arlington TN, Olive Branch MS, Southaven MS, West Memphis AR.

If your location is outside of these areas please call us at 901-360-9679 and we will quote you for an onsite service call. Call 901-360-9679

November 09, 2011

Protection at its best for your children and your own computers

by AlRitch, in Gadgets & Technology

Due to the advancements of new technology, gaining knowledge for youngsters has been made easy through the use of the internet. But at the back of this positive and beneficial innovation, children below 12 years old are prone to the influence of the negative and malicious contents in the World Wide Web.

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These children of the vulnerable age cannot determine the difference between good and bad. You should remember that the internet has it all and any child can click and log-in to any available site.

Psychological studies have found that the images children see will remain in their minds and the child has high chances of imitating the act. Sad to note that some child offenders of this present time were influenced to commit inappropriate acts against other children by what they have seen in the sites they have logged-into a couple of times.

April 13, 2008

Life as a Computer

by AlRitch, in Computers

Found this funny forwarded messages from OpenDb.netWork. Our life is being compared to a computer. Hehehehhehee...with all those Information Technology terms.

1. If you messed up your life, you could press "Alt, Ctrl, Delete" and start all over!
2. To get your daily exercise, just click on "run"!
3. If you needed a break from life, click on "suspend".
4. Hit "any key" to continue life when ready.
5. To get even with the neighbors, turn up the sound blaster.
6. To "add/remove" someone in your life, click settings and control panel.
7. To improve your appearance, just adjust the display settings.
8. If life gets too noisy, turn off the speakers.
9. When you lose your car keys, click on "find".
10. "Help" with the chores is just a click away.
11. You'd use your diskette to recover from a crash.
12. We could click on "send" and the kids would go to bed immediately.
13. To feel like a new person, click on "refresh".
14. Click on "close" to shut up the kids and spouse.
15. To undo a mistake, click on "back".
16. Is your wardrobe getting old? Click "update".
17. If you don't like cleaning the litter box, click on "delete".

Picture taken from eofdreams.com