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

It’s a sure sign that something’s amiss when your significant other is permanently bonded to a mobile device or computer.  Although many people work significant hours away from the office, your significant other can’t leave his smart phone at home. He’s constantly checking a certain site and images of his friends. Most of his friends happen to be women. You’re enlightened, this isn’t a problem…. But you’re spending the afternoon together, walking through a lush meadow. What’s he doing?

He’s an attorney, so you aren’t really worried. He’s got to answer messages. He’s got a right to privacy. He can’t talk about clients, even with you. Looking over his shoulder, you see he’s opened another social networking site. Pictures pop onto the small screen.

Sending mobile texts directly from a mobile device to another may cause the device to make a noise or vibrate. Using a social network site avoids this result. When he’s with you, no sounds emanate from the mobile device.

Other concerning behavior clues involve your significant other’s’ creating multiple accounts on social networks. You know about one of his accounts. He posts pictures of his children and dog, and his only friend is you!

If you use email chat programs, you may notice links appearing on your screen that seem unusual. For example, online dating site links keep appearing on your email account. You don’t use online dating services. You don’t send emails about online dating. The person with whom you’re communicating in the chat program uses these sites. If you start to see “Sugar Daddy” or “Cougar” sites, ask how long he’s been concerned about big cats!

One of the biggest fears of computer users today is having their personal or business information stolen. Hacking is still a major threat, but advances in technology are making it possible for users to protect their data even better.

You can find ways to increase your computer security at beavuh.org. You can learn about the proper use of encrypted codes and other protection measures that will make your information less accessible to unauthorized persons. Then, you can combine those steps with a few of the ideas set out below to make your computer privacy even stronger.

Using Passwords and Other Security Measures More Effectively

Almost everyone uses passwords to protect their personal accounts, such as e-mail, social networking sites, and other places. However, because they know that such accounts can be easier to hack than others, they also take care to monitor the information they post or allow to be seen. It’s the business accounts, financial accounts, and other ones that require very strong, very effective security measures. These are the ones you want to make sure have more than adequate protection.

Changing passwords frequently, utilizing encrypted codes, and using anti-spam and anti-spyware programs can go a long way towards keeping these accounts secure. Users may not be aware that spam programs aren’t only annoying, they can also be responsible for a lot of the viruses that are introduced to computers. Using anti-spam programs such as those provided by beavuh.org can help reduce this risk.

If your computer system is hacked, beavuh.org can help you find information on detecting the security breaches and making sure your data still remains protected while you take steps to remedy the situation.

Image via CrunchBase

If your tablet computer is able to handle an antivirus program (some OS devices do not apply), you should be on the lookout for quality programs. Just as your laptop or desktop is able to become infected with viruses; your tablet also is a target.

Take a look at your tablet PC to see what options you may have.  Here are four of the top antivirus programs for tablet computers.

• AVG Free

AVG is a leading provider of antivirus software. This is the same program that you would be able to use on your laptop or desktop. If it is available for your tablet computer, you might want to consider it.

• McAfee VirusScan Mobile

Another leader in computer protection, this offering from McAfee is made especially for wireless devices. It also offers protection for emails, instant messaging and other useful features. For instance, are your tablet computer’s SMS, MMS, Bluetooth, and other entry points protected? This is a program that will take care of that.

• AVG Mobilation

Smartphone and tablet users can take advantage of this antivirus program. There is also a dedicated version for Android users. If it applies to your device, it is definitely worth a look.

• Avast Free Antivirus

Another free program, Avast has become a prime competitor in the world of antivirus software. You will notice that this program is also available for standard computers, as opposed to other antivirus applications specifically for a certain OS (again, some tablets have operating systems which limit these types of programs). This is a great choice if it is available for your tablet.

Here is a closer look at just what technological inventions have increased productivity and how exactly people are benefiting from it.

Everything in One Place

Without technology, everything was scattered. There was a separate item receiving phone messages, typing up e-mails, taking down business notes, and copying documents. This scattered nature led to a decrease in productivity.

However, technology has solved that problem through the use of an exchange server. These servers allow businesses and individuals to host all communication and items in one location where nothing can get scattered. This all-in-one storage structure allows increases and improves productivity by allowing individuals to pull up any needed information quickly.

No Waiting

Productivity was often hindered due to a lack of communication. The information would take hours to get from one place to another. However, with the invention of text messaging, instant messaging, e-mails and video conferencing it has increased communication and allowed individuals to receive information quickly. This quick nature improves productivity because people are no longer sitting around waiting for specific pieces of information. Instead, they can get it quickly and continue on with their projects.

Technology has done a lot to improve the business world. However, the biggest improvement has been the increase in user productivity.

Here are some tips on how you can prevent online identity theft:

• Shop on secure websites

Shopping online is safe only when you browse for merchandise on secure web pages. Always check for a lock graphic on a site or check to see if “https” shows up in the address bar. This indicates your web page is secure and your data is encrypted. A connection that is not secure allows hackers to quickly grab your private information.

• Avoid phishing scams

Identity thieves use phishing in spam emails or online chat rooms to draw out personal information from unsuspecting victims. They usually pretend to be anything from your bank to your credit card company and try to convince you to send information or click on a link. Never respond even if it seems legitimate. Responsible organizations will never contact you in this manner.

• Use current anti-virus and anti-spyware software

If your computer becomes infected by a virus or trojan horse program, it can do tons of damage quickly. These malware programs are designed to scan your hard drive, gather private information and send it back to identity thieves. Fighting off these threats requires installing an anti-virus program and an anti-spyware program to identify and eliminate suspicious files and programs. These act as a first line of defense against identity theft.

Remember these tips to keep your personal, financial or business information secure on public computers:

• Never save log on information.

Always click the log out button when leaving a website. It is not enough to simply close down the browser window or type in a different web address because those pages are still active and the information on them can be easily retrieved.

• Erase your tracks.

Disable browser options that allow it to store user names and passwords. Also take time to delete any temporary files containing history of your internet activity.

• Never leave your computer alone.

If you need to leave your computer, log out of all programs and exit the browser window immediately. Leaving an open browser window unattended is an invitation to let an identity thief steal valuable personal information.

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.

You have a few options in trying to limit unwanted texts from overwhelming your phone.

• Block all internet based messages.

Most spam texts originate from online because spammers can reach you for free when they access your mobile phone through the internet. Major cell phone service providers such as T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon will block all texts originating from cyberspace for free if you request it.

• Block specific numbers, websites or email addresses.

This is another option provided by most phone companies. It can be useful if an unwanted text consistently originates from the same number or email or URL.

• Dispute your cell phone bill.

If spam messages still make it to your phone after your best efforts to eliminate them, you should contact your cell phone service provider and get them to drop the charges stemming from those texts. If you go this route, it is important to contact them as soon as you receive the unwanted text.

• Do not answer spam messages.

Never respond to spam under any circmumstances. Many spam texts are sent to test if the phone number is working. Your response is a secret way of baiting you into getting a greater number of these messages.



Just remember these guidelines in denying hackers access to your computer:

• Update your software

One of the best ways to stop a hacker in their tracks is to make sure your operating system and web browser are up to date. These offer the easiest portals for an hacker to gain access. Updates will usually include new security features that more effectively block intrusions into your computer.

• Install a firewall

Firewall protection is essential if you use an operating system like Windows XP. Without a good firewall, hackers can get into your computer as easily as walking through an open door. Most firewalls offer a 15-day or 30-day free trial period and they can be used in combination with most antivirus programs.

• Install anti-spyware programs

Spyware is designed to gather information from your computer and hackers will use that data for their own purposes — everything from stealing your identity to sending unsolicited emails based on their illegal market research. Spyware poses less of a threat than a computer virus. Still, it is a major invasion of privacy. You should install the latest anti-spyware programs on your computer and keep them up-to-date to block it from gaining a foothold.

Image via Wikipedia

When dozens of spam emails flood your inbox each day, it is easy to simply delete them and move onto other business. If you want to rid yourself of spam permanently, however, there is a much more effective way to get it done.

Handling spam by simply deleting it does not solve the problem. It does not remove you from the spammer’s email lists and it will have little effect in stopping similar emails from popping up in the future.

The only way to effectively end the flood of spam emails is to tackle the problem directly. One of the most effective ways to take action is to report spam email to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

You should always send a copy of the email in question to spam@uce.gov right away. Your email is automatically stored in a database and measures are taken against the party who sent out the unsolicited email.

The FTC can also help if you make an unsuccessful request to be removed from a spammer’s email list. All you need to do is fill out an online form located on the official FTC website, www.ftc.gov, and it is sent to another database where law emforcement officials and consumer protection agencies will be able to use it to track down companies in violation of anti-spam laws.

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.

Fortunately, there are wedding planning sites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire which were created to help you through this taxing time. With expert advice created by seasoned professionals, your pre-marriage stress can easily be cut by a huge fraction! These pros won’t let you forget any details, large or small. Think you’ve got it all down? Have you remembered to pick out your favorite songs to be played at the reception? Hiring a photographer to document the momentous occasion might be standard, easily remembered fare, but have you remembered to select the small wedding tokens that every guest will receive? Use wedding planning sites to help you get the occasion dialed in properly. Let your wedding experience revolve around diamonds and love.

Not only will sites such as the aforementioned help you to remember it all, they’ll help you to line up the nearest businesses to help you get all the innumerable wedding planning tasks accomplished. You and your partner need not go it alone!

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.

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

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

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!)

Dr. Stephanie LaFarge, Senior Director of Counseling Services of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) (ASPCA (R)) says “Parents should be honest with children about a pet’s death.  Parents should discuss the life cycle with their children”.  She recommends “explaining the facts of life–that all animals are born and grow old–we should never withhold the facts of life and death from children.”

Watching their pet age and die, or sudden death, may prompt first time questions about life and death.  “The child may ask ‘Are you going to die? Am I going to die?’”  Dr. LaFarge recommends that parents reassure children with the truth:  “While everything that lives will die one day, we are alive and not dying now.”

Parents may be surprised at how quickly the child asks for a new pet.  “Children may believe their pet is coming back, though they realize their pet is gone now. They want to know that this was not the last dog they will love.”  Parents can help the family plan for their new pet by reading books and visiting animal shelters.  There is no right or wrong time to adopt a new pet, and expressing grief at the loss of a pet is healthy and normal.

Symptoms of a child’s grief may include sleep interruptions, crying, or even seeing the pet.  If these symptoms persist more than a few days, seek your pediatrician’s advice.

Parents and children can make a booklet about the pet’s life, post pictures on the family’s computers and laptops. Use technology to remember your pet. Talk about the beauty of life together.

One of the ways that you can communicate with your customers and facilitate their communication with you is to use online survey tools. You can utilize survey tools on your website to get a message from your customers about your performance, your products, your customer service, and other aspects of how your business is being run. You can ask a couple of simple questions and receive a wealth of feedback from your customers when you tally the results. For example, you might ask what your customers did or did not like about your products or services, or you may ask them how likely they would be to recommend your company to a friend or a family member.

Collect as much information as you possibly can, and then analyze it to get the answers that you seek. Your net promoter score, which comes from how likely people would be to recommend you, is a powerful number that helps you determine whether your business is moving in the right direction based on customer satisfaction.

It is important that you find survey tools that are going to keep your information protected. A hacker or a virus could easily wreak havoc on your information. Choosing safe tools is essential because this vital feedback and information from your customers cannot simply be replaced if lost to such a threat. Treat this information as precious because it will have a profound effect on your business if you allow it to.

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.”

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.

1.  You will have less of a challenge interacting with the attractive person in the next seat if they are not on their mobile. Wow, that guy loves to talk! He sends text messages from his wireless laptop while he’s on the phone!

2.  Your airline server will have a difficult time offering headphones or collecting money for drinks ordered if you are on the phone. You’ve waited all day for the special mineral water and peanuts, for goodness sake.

3.  You cause anguish to operators in two different mobile towers monitoring the banality of your calls. See item 1.

4.  You will miss the in-flight instructions of how to buckle your seat belt and you might miss the take-off video!  It’s confusing about which person should use the oxygen mask first.

5.  You will miss the opportunity to watch your steward demonstrate the emergency oxygen mask.  Good times.

6.  You should not be subjected to the banality of your neighbor’s mobile phone calls! See item 1.

7.  You will not think of joining the (however many) Mile High Club because you are on the phone.

8.  Your boss will need to wait an hour before you learn more about her date last night.  Self-control is good.

9.  You will forget to read those two books you put in the carry-on.  Do you use them as hand weights?

10. You are carrying a mobile phone that belongs in the Museum for Antique Cell Phones.  Buy a new phone. Mobile technology has improved since 1995.

Image via Wikipedia

Use your computer to learn how to cook. Try new recipes on food networks. Technology makes cooking videos and demonstrations so easy to use. Make a perfect chocolate cake using these suggestions gleaned from the Internet.

Start with a great recipe:  1/4 c. shortening, 1 c. sugar, 1 egg, 3 T. cocoa, 1/4 c. sour milk, 3/4 t. soda, 1 c. flour, 1/2 c boiling water:

1.   Sift the dry ingredients to remove tiny lumps.

2.  Use the finest ingredients. Unless you are going for coarse texture, always use cake flour.  If you are out of cake flour, try using your Vita-Mix by pulsing a few seconds until you have finer than fine flour.

3.   Chocolate. Try fine Belgian chocolate for the best chocolate cake.

4.   Chocolate pudding for incredible moisture.  This is an old but effective idea.

5.   Clarified butter or mayonnaise as shortening. Remove the butter solids first. Some cooks prefer light olive oil. To make fresh mayonnaise, add 2 egg yolks, 3/4 t. salt, 1/4 t. sugar, pinch cayenne pepper, 4-5 t. lemon juice, 1-1/2 c. olive oil.  Adjust liquids.

6.   Sustitute other sweeteners. You can use date sugar or organic date paste, sweet brown rice syrup, all-fruit peach or pear jam, pineapple concentrate, or violet-/rose-infused sugar.  Flower-infused sugars are easy to make.  Your friends will love these tastes.

7.   Use Greek yogurt or plain kefir instead of egg. If you are allergic to eggs, these products are great.  10% milkfat yogurts taste sweeter than sour cream. Use a dollop the size of an egg.  If using kefir, reduce liquid by 2 T.

8.   Instead of sour milk or buttermilk, use light cream or coconut milk, or a combination.

9.   Put your cake into the oven hot; ensure that it cooks properly in the center. If using dark baking pans, adjust temperature down 25 degrees.

10. Soak cake overnight in fine port, cover with almond buttercreme and plum conserve, frost with coats of softened organic chocolate.  Decorate with a single edible gold leaf.