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Security, the hottest thing on the internet. No, you can’t put your passwords into a safe box or keep them with the CIA. When it comes to social networking and connecting your accounts to other accounts, security is able to become compromised. What if that “Get Money for Tweeting!” site stole your information and got your Twitter account? What if that password was the same as your Facebook? Your PayPal? Well, they probably are going to get those too. That is why you need to keep your information safe.

One way to keep your information safe is to keep it secure. Twitter rolled out an update to support OAuth not too long ago; OAuth is a way to never, ever give out your password. When a web application wants to get access to your account, they don’t want your password or your secure information, all they want is just an access token. You don’t even have to login here, or there, or anywhere except Twitter. That way, they don’t have your password, and if they are abusing your account, you can deny access anytime.

Another way to keep your information safe is to always use a virus scanner. Malware, Trojans, and anything can get into your computer; you want to keep them out. They’re like those stalkers that watch your every move; when you enter a password, they jump right on it, and take your account! You don’t want that to happen. You may be thinking Virus Scanners cost lots of money. Actually, they don’t. There are plenty of free scanners, along with online scanners; try AVG or Kaspersky or Avast.

Being safe is a major thing to keep in mind when signing up for web applications, and being secure is what you want to be. Keep your information safe and secure by using only OAuth enabled applications and always using a virus scanner.

If you’re using your computer to make money online then you need to be vigilant with your computer’s security. A down computer means loss of revenue.

Here are some recommendations in keeping your computer safe while you’re on the Internet.

If you like to use Internet Explorer 7, make sure your security settings in Internet Options are at it safest. Follow these steps:

Click on Tools then Internet Options
Click on the Security tab, then click on Custom Level

You will see: Active X Control and Plug-ins
The following should be Disabled

Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls
Binary and script behaviors
Download signed ActiveX controls
Download unsigned ActiveX controls
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe

Scroll down to Downloads
Automatic prompting for file downloads – Disable

Enable Pop Up Blocker

Scroll down to Scripting
Allow paste operations via script – Disable

Click OK, when done to save the changes.

I recommend using Firefox for your browsing needs. It’s a great standalone and safer browser than Internet Explorer. There are different themes and extensions which you can use to customize it to your needs. You can even view sites in IE with Firefox by downloading the IE extension.

Some telecommuting companies specifically ask for Internet Explorer so make sure you don’t completely get rid of this browser.

Each time you visit a website, a cookie is installed on your computer. There’s nothing wrong with it, but there is a concern for Internet privacy since it can be used to track your browsing behaviour.

Here are my recommended and basic software to download. All are free.

CCleaner – It’s a quick click of a button to delete your online activities. It clears cookies, Internet history, temporary files and more.

Pop Up Stopper – For Internet Explorer you can use Panicware Pop Up Stopper. Although your computer already comes with a pop up blocker, it doesn’t hurt to use two. In Firefox, I recommend downloading the Ad Block Plus extension.

Spyware Blaster – Works like an anti-virus program, but it’s an anti-spyware program. It prevents the installation of spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Zone Alarm Free or Pro – Depending on your needs. The free firewall version works very well.

AVG Free – Free antivirus program. Other popular free antivirus programs are Avast and Avira.

Some other recommended sites to bookmark are:

Trend Micro – It is a free online scan for viruses and spyware.

PC Pit Stop – Free computer checkup and diagnostics can help you detect and fix many common PC problems.

Shields Up! – Internet connection security for Windows users.

Personal computers (PC’s) are simply machines and will eventually wear out. If we keep our computers in good condition with regular care and maintenance, we will have less of a need for computer repair at an expensive facility. Here are some simple home  computer maintenance tips to keep your PC running well.

•    Shutdown computer properly. Laptops will usually power down correctly if you push the power button but most desktop computers should be shut down by using the Windows Start button. This can prevent catastrophic hard drive failure.
•    Use a UPS, or Uninterrupted Power Supply. This will keep your computer running during a power outage, long enough for you to shut it down properly. If there is a brief power flicker, it will supply steady power, protecting your equipment.
•    Dust will always build up in computers over time and will cause an increase of heat. Open up the side of your computers case and use a pressurized air duster to blow dust out and away.
•    Do not block any area where a fan is operating. Your PC needs good airflow to stay cool
•    Install a good antivirus program. You can find free products that are as good or better than commercial products. I recommend either AVG, Avast or Microsoft Security Essentials.
•    If your hard drive gets filled and has less than 10% capacity left (or a few Gigabytes), you should purchase a second hard drive and move all your photos and larger personal files to it.
•    Most computers have unnecessary programs running all the time. Uninstall programs you will never use and use a program like Ccleaner to control what programs run when your computer boots up.

Finally, always have a backup of your personal data. This may include photos, music and documents. We all know of someone whose hard drive crashed, along with year’s worth of personal data! Use an external hard drive and backup your files regularly.

If you are interested to know more about  Tips for Keeping your Computers Happy!, please search our site for more in-depth information and resources.