computer tips
Software Updates: All software companies release patches from time to time. Updates often patch security holes which might allow access to your systems from hackers. If left un-patched you increase the risk of having your system compromised.
Backup: Data backup does not take that long once you have a system setup. Just think if your computer disappears, gone. Now think about how long it will take to reproduce all of your data. Some information like your pictures can't be replaced.
Antivirus, Anti-Spy Anti-Adware: It is best to run 2 of these, one antivirus program and one combo anti-spy/ad program. For home, use AVG Antivirus and A-Squared offer free products. Although free these 2 products are excellent in stopping the bad things that try to get into your computer.
Security Tips
People: We are the weakest link in our technology security. We use weak passwords, write passwords down, through paper in the garbage with sensitive information.
In larger companies, social engineering comes to play. Hackers slowly gather information until they gain enough to compromise a system. Might start from a piece of trash they got that has a person's name or security information on it. Then they call another person in that company and use the prior info to pry new info. They continue to do this until they have all they need to gain access to a system. These guys are slick and make their target believe they are calling from the inside.
Firewall or NAT: If you have a business network, especially if you remote access in to your systems, you need a hardware firewall for protection. For small networks and home networks, a router with NAT along with updated system software, anti-malware software and Windows Firewall running will protect you from most attacks.
Why say most and not all? No system is fool proof. You can take measures to secure your systems and reduce the chance your system get compromised.
stretching your technology dollars
The biggest savings is not always grabbing the latest technology right when it enters the market. The costs and new product issues are too high. Let someone else work all the bugs out first and spend all the big bucks on "cutting edge technology". Then get it, after a year or so, when the price goes down and the major issues have been worked out.
There are no hard fast rules, it depends on the product. Some stuff you can wait a few generations of a product line before updating.
Software is a good example. I would not advise anyone to upgrade an operation system on an older computer. It is best to replace the OS when the computer gets replaced.
Vista has been getting bad reviews, for a couple of reasons. Mainly because it is bloated, filled with a bunch of useless features which are on by default. Also, because many systems have been shipped with not enough processing power and memory to handle the bloat. Why so much bloat? Have you ever been asked by Microsoft as to what you want in an Operating system? Probably not, the decision is made by a few top people and is based upon what they want to sell you, not based on what is needed. If it was based on need, the the term "Micro" in Microsoft would still be applicable. Ok, getting of soap box now.
On the other end, antivirus and anti-spyware definitions updates, which are free and offered a few times a week, I recommend using the auto update features to update as soon as they released.
However, watch out for the other extreme and not investing in some technology will have your competitors leaving you in the dust.
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