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The Best Antivirus Software for Tablet PCs

Behold the iPad in All Its Glory.

Image via Wikipedia

Tablet PCs, such as Apple’s iPad, are becoming more and more popular. With that popularity come hackers who will want to exploit these devices, especially with new users who may not know how to protect the information on them. Here are some programs that you’ll want to look into to protect your tablet PC as well as your smartphone.

AVG

There is a new version of AVG that is especially created for products that are running the Android operating system. Whether you have the Motorola Android phone or the new HP Slate tablet PC, you can protect your files. This product scans your device in real time with the purpose of protecting it against viruses, malware, and spyware. Two great features that make this program exceptional are the locating devices. One allows you to find the phone if it’s stolen while the other can force it to ring even if it’s on silent so you can find it when you know it’s close by.

NetQin

When you have a portable device that relies on batteries, it’s important for the batteries to last as long as possible. This is especially important with programs that run constantly, such as antivirus software. NetQin promises not only to protect Android devices from malware, viruses, and spyware, but it also promises not to drain power quickly. Two nice features with this application are the ability to locate the device if lost or stolen and being able to remotely wipe any data found on the phone.

Either of these programs would be great for protecting your phone and there are free versions available

Filed Under: Computers, General, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The Wealth of Online Games

You are fully aware that the Internet is used to bring the most information into the homes of its users. People can find out virtually anything by going online, but these days the Internet can be used to have fun too. Many companies have started producing games that you can play. The good news is that most of these games are free to the masses. So, in between looking up prescription records or downloading the latest album, you can find endless amusement with games.

There are a number of Online Casino Games that can be played. Often times the idea of a casino game means that there must be money on the line or an inherent risk involved, but that is far from the case. The casual online user can amuse themselves by playing games of chance for free.

There are a host of arcade games that can be found online. These games have been formatted so that you may use your keyboard or your mouse as the joystick and operational buttons. For those that like board games the computer has plenty of those to offer. There are a number of classic board games that can be played and thanks to the Internet you never have to play it alone. You can join friends or total strangers in a rousing classic board game.

There are also the challenges for those who like puzzles and brain teasers. You can play these games and then email them to your friends and family to test their wit, logic and critical thinking skills. Of course there are the traditional online gambling features that most sites have, and with the growing Internet community, you can search the latest tips and tricks for any of the aforementioned games. These games are classics and must be played.

The Internet is making the web a bit more fun and it’s a great chance to relax. Try these games online today.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

A Hacker is Your Worst Enemy

People do not realize how vulnerable their computers are to possible hackers.  This is very sad for anyone who has a computer.  The average consumer buys a computer for personal use without knowing the dangers that lurk for an attack.  Even if they are aware of the dangers, they do not think it can happen to them.

When you first get a computer, you are so excited and cannot wait to get it set up.  You are hoping to be able to communicate with your friends and relatives.  Once you get your email ready to use you think it is the best thing in the world.  Then you began surfing the web and entering your email for just about anything.  For most when they hear the word you got mail, they quickly open the emails.

You began downloading all these free offers with anticipation for all kinds of different new stuff.  Some will register for the free online banking for easy account access.  Then over time, their computer starts running slower and slower.  Some will not even notice when this happens and continue on thinking everything is wonderful.

Then one day unexpectedly you cannot log into anything and do not know what is going on.  You try everything you know it fix the problem with no luck.  You call your internet company and they give you the bad news, you have been hacked. Then it hits you all your personal information is out there somewhere.

After it has happened, you take it to a computer shop to see if they can fix the problem.  The computer pro informs you that you did not properly install your antivirus software and firewall.  They also proceed to tell you that a hacker has destroyed your computer.  The technician can fix your computer, but it is a costly lesson for people to learn the hard way.

Hacker can easily get your information if it is not protected by software.  Identity theft is on the rise and is hard to fix once someone get your information.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

What Helps Make a Computer Password Safe?

Everyone that uses a computer has a password or two or three. The password allows us to get into our data that is stored on our computer. Whether it is a password for your banking needs, for your email account or any other specific account, making it secure is necessary. There are a lot of thieves who spend a lot of time in inventing ways to get your important data. Here are some ways to help make your password safe:

1. Make the length of your password considerably long, at least above five numbers and words.
2. Use upper and lower case letters mixed in together along with numbers.
3. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts. If one of your passwords is compromised, then you do not want thieves to have access to all of your accounts. Make a strong and different password for every account you have.
4. Do not use such things as birthday or anniversary dates, family members’ names or your pets names. These are too easy for someone to figure out. There needs to be no emotional connections to your passwords.
5. Protect your passwords as though they are the keys to your home. They are, in a virtual sense. Write them down and place them in a safe place in your home or put them in your safety deposit box in case you forget them. It is best not to carry them around in your wallet or purse. They can have the same effect as if your credit card was stolen or worse.

Take the time and do what is necessary to keep your password safe. It is the only way to help keep it secure.

 

 

Filed Under: Computers, Security Tagged With: , ,

Spyware via the Computer

 

Thinking that all your personal information that is on your computer is for your eyes to see? Think again. As you  are keying in information, others are getting at least smidges of the same data. This is a type of  spyware. It is largely used by advertising companies. It is a way for the advertising companies to make money so that certain software does not cost anything to the consumer. The developers can still get paid some revenue. Other facts about spyware are:

 

  • Most computer users do not realize it is tracking their information and getting some of their data.
  • Computer users have no control over the smidges of data that are being taken.Not all advertising companies track data. Many use banners which can be taken off.
  • This is not an illegal act.It can be considered malware if the advertising company’ spyware program contains any deceitful untruths about what data they are collecting that is not stated in their privacy policy.
  • Spyware can be located in a program when you download free software.When downloading anything free there usually is a cost involved. Most consumers do realize this, especially on free download software.
  • Whatever information is collected is not suppose to have data exposing where the information came from.

There are very effective anti-spyware software for your computer that can be purchased. Many times consumers do not care about the above issues or at least not enough to make the effort in buying any anti-spyware.

Source:
“What is spy ware?”  Spychecker   www.spychecker.com/spyware.html

 

Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

The Importance of Antivirus Software on Your Computer

The Importance of Antivirus Software on Your Computer

Anti-virus software plays an important role in having security on your computer. Without this software, not only is your privacy at stake, but also your financial safety. There are many ways some people will try in attempting to steal your data. Unsuspecting and honest people are usually the ones that it affects the most.

Precautions need to be taken through anti-virus software so that everything you key into your computer will stay in its virtual walls. Through today’ technologies this is almost a certainty as long as you take a bit of time and make it secure.

  • A way that computer thieves can attach your information is through you answering unknown emails. Sometimes it is an attempt to commit identity theft. A computer thief will send unknown and unwanted emails to get information. This is called spamming. If you have email software, it should have an anti-virus spam filter on it. This will block out these messages from your inbox and direct it safely into your spam filter.
  • Another way a computer thief can steal information is by finding a non-secure operating system. An antivirus software is needed to keep unwanted Trojans out. They can reach into to your system and copy information before you realize it has been done.

These are only two of a vast growing number of security issues that plague the privacy and financial safety issues of our modern day use of the computer. As technologies continue to grow, so will  the efforts of cyber thieves.

Source:

“Safety and Security Center”  Microsoft www.microsoft.com/security/resources/spam-whatis.aspx

 

Filed Under: Computers, Security Tagged With: , ,

Use Your Computer to Make a Coloring Book

My Coloring Book

Image via Wikipedia

Coloring books that your child makes with you are treasures to keep forever. It’s easy and fun to make yours with a home computer and Internet access. Your child’s natural gifts as an artist and storyteller will blossom.

  • Lifestyle

As a parent, you want to teach your child everything, and you want to make it fun for your child to learn.  Children naturally love to express themselves with color.  Kim, four years old, says “My mom and I made the best color book.  There pictures of me, my sister and our dog.  See?”

This is a great idea, and Kim’s mother explains how make a coloring book that you and your child are going to keep forever.

Carly, Kim’s mother, starts with digital photos of anything she wants for the coloring book.  “Then, I use a program online to convert my photos into images.”  Carly’s favorite is freeware.

The difference between Kim’s favorite coloring book, and others I have seen, is Kim’s creativity.  Her mother records Kim’s storytelling about the pictures.  Then, as Kim learns to write her words, Carly helps Kim make the coloring book into a story.

When printing the coloring book pages, Carly recommends using a textured paper so that your child can use non-toxic markers, paints, crayons, or pencils.  She prefers to bind the pages using a “Big craft needle and heavy threat–we print about 40 or 50 pages, single-sided, then I bind the pages wtih a straight sewing stitch.  The pages bound at a store, but then sometimes it’s difficult to make the coloring book open flat.  It’s just right when I sew it!  No sharp edges, either.”

Another great idea came from Nora, whose daughter, Arial, is “obsessed with My Little Pony. “She can’t get enough ponies.  We make a coloring book by drawing the ponies freehand, copy, and color them with sparkly crayons and paints.  We wrote a story about a pony that speaks another language!”  (The pony, named Elyana, speaks Portuguese, just like Arial’s grandma!)

 

 

 

Filed Under: Computers, Tips Tagged With: , ,

Recycling Your Computers and Technology

According to Eileen Lutz, a corporate environmental consultant, only about one-third of people in the U.S. recycle.  With California leading the states that recycle (followed by Texas, New York, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan and Georgia in 2009 rank order), do you worry about how to recycle and dispose of items like computers,laptops,mobile phones, technology parts, batteries, televisions, paint, aluminum cans, used motor oil, CFLs, glass and fluorescent lamps?

Your waste removers probably make aluminum and glass easy to recycle by providing a bin for this purpose.  In less than 60 days, recycled glass and aluminum can find their way back to your grocery shelf, enabling you to complete the recycle by purchasing!

Depending on your community, knowing what items require special disposal is most of the battle. Contact your municipal recycling authorities.  They should be listed in the blue pages or on your community’s home page.  Ask if you need to schedule pick-up for your computer, television or fluorescent lamps, among other items.  You can dissemble items, if you know how, or leave the item whole for professionals.  The important thing is, don’t leave these items on the curb to find their way to the general landfill.  Lead, mercury and other hazardous chemicals have a way of finding their way into the water supply,

If your community does not have a recycling office, or a municipal disposal office, try the office of public health.  “They can recommend private companies with proper permits in place to contact.  For a small fee, your items can be picked up or you can arrange to deliver the items to a recycling facility,” Lutz recommends.  “When you do have a private service taking away your stuff, make sure they have the proper permits in place to dispose of these items.  Your best intentions will be for naught if the company takes your items to the municipal garbage dump.”

Filed Under: Computers, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Green Exercise and Technology

In this technology-driven world, people sometimes forget to enjoy the world’s beauty. Use technology to track your fitness results wherever you go. Count calories on a wireless mobile device or make an exercise date with your trainer at a hotspot. Exercise is great medicine, good for your body and soul.

Lack of physical activity is now considered a greater health hazard than tobacco use, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Take time to fill yourself with nature, and your body will get greater benefits from exercise!

Negative effects of consuming more calories than we burn are well-known:  diet-related ills including obesity, adult-onset diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, strokes and several cancers are illnesses with dietary components.

Good old-fashioned exercise taken in fresh air and in natural surroundings may be what the doctor orders.  It’s cost-effective, too:  lace up your sneakers, cross-trainers, skates or get on your bicycle.  Enjoy the outdoors through gardening, kite-flying, cycling or walking your dog as you add to the harmony of nature by interacting with it.

Physiatrists agree that green exercise is good.  Kent Hospital Physicians in Rhode Island encourage their patients to take advantage of natural beauty whenever possible.

Some painless ways to add exercise include:

Outside workouts.  In winter, get a pair of cross-country skis, snow shoes, ice skates or boots with good traction.  There are benefits to getting sunshine into your body, including more vitamin D as you burn calories.  Visit a naturopathic physician.  An N.D. is trained similarly to your M.D., with more focus nutrition and exercise as healing tools.  Join The Nature Conservancy and show where your heart is. Take a walking vacation.

Reconnect with your bicycle.  Even if you aren’t Lance Armstrong, buy a bike and use it. Always remember to wear a helmet.  You may like biking so much that you take to the road almost every day.  It’s easy on your joints, too.

Leave your car at home. Walk outdoors at lunchtime and eat a green lunch.

Filed Under: Computers, Technology Tagged With: , ,
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