| |
Dawn Bjork Buzbee
The Software Pro®
Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) Instructor
Certified Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor
Certified Microsoft Office Expert
Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE)
(303) 699-6868
Dawn@SoftwarePro.com
|
| |
Hard drives erased...don't open this...delete this file...I love you...worms, viruses--even the names sound like something you don't want on your computer. First, you must absolutely have a well-established virus scanner (top choices are Norton and McAfee) installed on your computer and setup to scan all incoming e-mail messages to protect you from legitimate viruses. Setup your virus scanner to get automatic updates to the virus definition files. If you think that you will update these files on our own, ask yourself when you last backed up your critical data files? The next time a well-meaning friend sends you yet another warning about a message you shouldn't open, a file that you must erase, or a "true" story from a reliable source, check it out first at any of these comprehensive sites: Urban Legends and Folklore
A comprehensive library of Internet hoaxes, email rumors, and urban legends including a Top 25 List.
urbanlegends.about.com - home page
urbanlegends.about.com/library/blhoax.htm - current netlore Snopes.com
Before you believe everything on the Internet, in an e-mail, or from a coffee break conversation, check out this site that sheds light on top urban legends and rumors.
www.snopes.com Vmyths.com
Another great resource with more focus on computer virus myths, hoaxes, and virus hysteria.
www.vmyths.com Hoaxbusters
Maintained by a division of U.S. Department of Energy although the focus is on any e-mail message that may be a hoax (untrue). A bit more technical with detailed articles such as How to Recognize a Hoax, and more.
hoaxbusters.ciac.org 
Creating and using strong passwords is a critical piece to protecting your computer, data, and security. Here are some sites that will help you create and test the strength of your password: Password Strength Meter
Score the complexity of a password-follow the guidelines and try a password similar but not the same as your own.
SecurityStats.Com Password Strength Meter Diceware
This password strategy assigns a 1-6 character word, phrase or group of characters to the result of a roll of 6 dice. Use multiple rolls to build an unique combination. Download the software or passphrase list to create your password.
More about Diceware
Note: this section is no longer updated. For the latest on cool gadgets, great gizmos, and hot technology, check out these tech websites:
CoolPad by RoadTools
One of my favorite laptop accessories. Available in the Podium and Travelers version, the CoolPad can improve the cooling efficiency of your laptop by raising the back edge and increasing the airflow around the computer which is great for laptops that run hot. Plus, the CoolPad makes it easy to share the display with someone next to you because the upper surface swivels independently of the lower surface. The Travelers CoolPad is a must for airplanes...it really grabs on to those slick tray tables. www.roadtools.com Bose Headphones-Take a Break from Travel Noise
The ergonomic design of the Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling headphones allows for a light and comfortable fit; you may even forget you have them on. Whether you take them on a trip or to the office, these headphones will fold flat to store easily in a bag or briefcase. A single detachable audio cable gives you easy access to portable players, home stereos and in-flight entertainment systems. Remove the cable to go "cordless" when you simply want some peace and quiet. (I have friends that even wear these headphones to bed to silence the noise of their snoring partners.) At a price of $299, your investment will pay off with rest and refreshment during your travels. Bonus tip: pack extra batteries in case you forget to turn off the headphones.
At 13 ounces, the iGo 7500 brick is a bit heavy for easy "mobility" but it works great. One cord powers a notebook computer, while a second simultaneously charges a phone, camera, PDA, MP3 player, or Game Boy. The unit comes with a car and air outlet cord, plus adapters for most major laptops; adapter tips for other devices cost under $10. (I also own an iGo car charger for my wireless phone which I can continue to use even when I update my phone.) The outstanding EverywherePower adapter received Laptop Magazine's Ultimate Choice 2005 Award and it's easy to understand why. CoolPad by RoadTools
One of my favorite laptop accessories. Available in the Podium and Travelers version, the CoolPad can improve the cooling efficiency of your laptop by raising the back edge and increasing the airflow around the computer which is great for laptops that run hot. Plus, the CoolPad makes it easy to share the display with someone next to you because the upper surface swivels independently of the lower surface. The Travelers CoolPad is a must for airplanes...it really grabs on to those slick tray tables. www.roadtools.com iriver FM transmitters
Would you like to listen to your MP3 player in your car or truck? Are you a music lover? Do you listen to self-improvement and personal development tapes or CDs? What about books on tape? The iriver FM transmitter is one of the handiest accessories and my favorite of the choices because of the streamlined design and no batteries to re-charge or replace. An FM transmitter makes it easy to beam your tunes and other audio from your favorite portable audio device (CD, cassette, MP3) to any car FM radio.
www.iriveramerica.com USB Drive
Also known as a thumb drive, jump drive, cruzer, portable hard drive, and by other brand and generic names. A replacement for floppy disks and Zip disks, these mini, pluggable drives are a "must-have" for easy transfer of data and a super backup for active projects. Capacity available to 32 GB+! Look for special deals or rebates at your local office supply or computer store.
| |
Be prepared: keep spare AAA and AA batteries in your laptop case for your travel alarm, wireless mouse, presentation remote, and other electronics.
|
| USB = universal serial bus, a standard port that makes it easy to connect multiple peripherals. |
|
Tips, Tricks, Secrets
that you need to know now!
|
|
