Securing Your Computers

Endpoint antivirus software

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If you want to keep your computer safe from hackers, there are a few steps to take. Some things you can do on your own, but others require an expert. For example, make sure your passwords all have at least six characters, preferably a combination of letters and numbers. This can make it hard for others to guess your password when trying to log in to sites that contain your personal information, such as your bank website. Just be sure to keep a copy of your passwords somewhere that only you have access to. In addition, use an antivirus program to keep viruses from entering your computer.

These tips are free to implement, but if you are already using them and still have computer security issues, you may have to pay for an expert’s help. You can find computer experts near you when you check out local search engines, such as Canada 411. This will allow you to get the contact information of someone who can help. The businesses you find can simply offer a few tips, or they can come out and fix any computer issues you are having.

You can use the Internet to find other free ways to keep your computer secure, too. For example, there are websites devoted to offering tips on avoiding viruses, protecting your network and making secure passwords. If you try out the ideas offered, and they do not do enough to protect your computer, then you know it is time to check out local search engines like Canada 411 in order to find computer professionals.

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Avoid Computer Lock-Outs

While it is highly recommended to have a password that no one can guess, it can sometimes be an issue when trying to remember what password you created. This hassle is multiplied when forgetting a password for Windows and not being able to access your computer. Here are a few tips so that it won’t happen to you.

While this is not the safest method, writing your passwords down can be the best way to retrieve it if you forget what password you used. The best thing to do if you do write it down is to keep it in a place that only you know about. Also, if you do write down any passwords you’ll want to make sure not to write down what it’s for in case someone finds it; especially if you have sensitive material or private data on your system.

Hints are excellent in helping retrieve a forgotten password and when your Windows password is created there is an option to create a hint. On Windows Vista this is different because you’ll have to change your original password in order to make the hint option show up. To do this you will just need to go into your user accounts area and click the change password icon.

When creating a hint you will want to make it so that someone can’t guess your password using your hint. For instance, if your dog’s name is Sir Barksalot then you don’t want your hint to read, “My dog’s name” for obvious reasons. The same rule applies to dates. Don’t put your hint as “our anniversary” if your password is the date you got married because anyone can find that out or already know about it.

Making a password reset disk is an option you can use by using a USB flash drive. You would go to user accounts just like before and click the “create a password reset disk” icon. A wizard will open that will guide you through the process.

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Passwords and Online Safety

Remembering and using passwords can be a real pain but they are there to keep all of your private information safe. With just a little information or knowledge of your every day activities, family life, pet names and work places, anyone can guess your passwords if they have the desire to do so and you’ve used easy to remember words and dates.

There are a few basic rules to keep this from happening.

Most online sites that are secure will have different password requirements. Some will ask you for a certain length password, some will require special characters or numbers and some may even use case sensitive password requirements. It is always a good idea to utilize a combination of these three requirements when possible. This can help ensure that your information is kept more safe from those attempting to steal it.

When creating a password, try to use phrases that incorporate uppercase letters, lowercase letters and numbers, as well as special characters. Not all password entries will allow this but use them when possible. Most banking or financial institutions will require it. Think of how people create license plate number phrases and try out your own. You can even use numbers for phrases such as the number 8 for the word, ate. That may come in handy when trying to remember your passwords.

The safest passwords are at least seven letters long and incorporate all three of the mentioned criteria. Although that isn’t possible with some secure sites such as those that don’t allow special characters, combine as many different features as is allowed. Remember that if you do write down your password and you have used numbers as a part of a phrase, write out the whole phrase so that someone who finds your sentence won’t realize that it is a password.

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