-]| Welcome to The [ FreeWareRocks.com ] - Freeware Website Navigator |[-
* * * * - "The WEBs we've WEAVED" - * * * *

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Oh NO... What a Tangled WEB we've WEAVED!
=| And Here are SOME "HELP" Sites for You to SEE! |=
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"OOPS! ------- I DID IT AGAIN"

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===Where TO GO ONLINE===
So YOU'LL KNOW JUST exactly WHAT to DO:

When it "Just Seems Like" CHUMLEY May INDEED Have
===TOSSED A MONKEY WRENCH into YOUR your CPU!===

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===Don't live in Frustration===

Save these Time Saving SITES for Future Reference!
-- to bookmark them to your favorites folder --
(simply press the "Ctrl" key then the "D" key)

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Also, several of these sites (and FORUMS)

OFFER

••• Tips & Tweak Solutions •••
To help you to Fine-Tune Your COMPUTER's Performance
•••During ONLINE or OFF-LINE USE•••

Protecting Yourself from Spam

Sick of Receiving Spam 24 hrs a day?
Can the SPAM - Click Here Find out How to Use the OE Filter
to Set Up e-mail Rules in Outlook

Practicing Safe Computing Habits in your Program Settings
Thereby making it difficult or even nearly impossible for viruses to run on your OS.

Identity Theft on the WEB - Protect Your Identity from Thieves!

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- The MAIN Reason -
To Check Out this Section Often:
Getting the MOST out of
- Maintaining - Enhancing - Stabilizing and Smooth Function -
Of our Operating Systems...

Comments Regarding Contacting the Programs’ Developers!
(how to get the most out of 'support' e-mails)

===[ as well as ]===

The System’s Components and Peripherals
- Is critical for productivity -
===[ and is especially vital ]===
- for system stability and ease of regular use -

Foresee and then Alleviate the potential bother and nuisance!
(of System Slow Downs and Flare Ups!)

"Learn How to BEST Untangle the WEBS WE Weave!"

Think You're having a BAD had a Bad Day?
Maybe "Wrongway Roy Reigels" Story will cheer you up!

SUPERIOR Computer Related Troubleshooting
P L U S
••• Solutions * Tips * Tweaks Sites•••


==OK... SO - NOW WHAT?==

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Guidelines for Safe Computing

 - FreeWareRocks.com Ten Safety Commandments! -

1. Save often. No computer is immune to crashes or other events that can take out a work in progress. One time I was working on a file for hours (on a deadline) and didn't "save." The power went out just for a few moments and all my work was gone!

2.  

3. Back up regularly. How often depends on how important the data is. Check to be sure you can restore from the backup, too. Prevent loss of your data ---BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP. Back up your important files on a regular basis and store the backup copy somewhere other than on your computer (CD or floppy). This way if a virus does get through and destroy files you can restore them from your back-up copy.

   Protect your valuable information - Backup/Restore your important data files before an unforeseen disaster occurs.

   • Learn about available options for Backup/Restore

   • Invest in software/hardware to create a simple to use system

   • Test your system by performing a Restore test

   • Remove your backup to create a physical separation between your computer and the backup

4.  

5. Install a reputable virus scanner and keep it updated regularly. Out-of-date virus software is no better than none at all. Avoid virus, worms and trojans from e-mail or downloads which will cause damage to your programs or hardware.

6.  

7. Use the Antivirus program (at least once a week) as well as every time you download any freeware or software that is shareware. Make sure that it is properly configured for your computer system. Software makers routinely update their virus lists whenever a new virus is discovered, so you will need to update your software with new virus definitions at least once per week (I do it every day). Check with the manufacturer of your antivirus software for instructions on how to  automatically keep your virus protection up-to-date.
    

8. NEVER open any downloaded file unless it has been scanned by anti-virus software with current signatures. New Microsoft Word macro viruses are discovered frequently. A Corel document virus was brought to light recently. Even shrink-wrapped commercial software is not immune. Though a rare occurrence, some software has been shipped with viruses.

   A computer virus is a program that makes copies of itself and infects diskettes or files. Computer viruses can spread to other computers and files whenever infected diskettes or files are exchanged. Most often infected files come as email attachments, even from people you know. The email senders have no idea that they are passing on a file with a virus in it. 

   Many viruses spread precisely because they do originate from a familiar address. If you were not expecting an attachment from that person, then contact them and find out what the attachment is before opening. Conversely, whenever you plan to send any attachments to someone who you know, make sure that you email or call them first to tell them to expect it.

   A virus can erase or change the information stored on your computer, while other viruses may do little or no harm to your system.  Whatever the case may be however, any computer virus is an unwanted pest.  Here are a few points to remember.

   Remember:

   • A virus can not appear on your computer all by itself. You get it by sharing infected files or diskettes, or by downloading infected files from the Internet.

   • A virus can be sent to you by someone you know and trust.  Or can appear to be from someone you now and trust.

   • Generally, you can not get a virus by reading the body of an email message, they are usually carried in an attachment (e.g., a Word or Excel file). These attachments should be scanned automatically before you read them.

   There are a few things you can do to protect your computer from virus infection.  Most important on the list is to install - update and use a high-quality anti-virus program, and especially be sure to update it regularly. A non-updated Anti-Virus program is outdated and practically useless. Use it to scan any files, programs, software, or diskettes (even new software from a commercial company) before you use them on your computer.

9. Do not even open any file sent to you as an e-mail attachment unless you requested it. Avoid spam (Unwanted or junk e-mail). E-mail is one of the most notorious ways of passing viruses around. Beware (especially) of the attachments that people send with email. Even people you know and trust can unwittingly be passing viruses in seemingly harmless little programs or data files. Also beware of email warning you of viruses, especially if it comes with attached software you should run to "fix" the problem. Those kinds of messages are sometimes used to spread viruses. Set up and use the filters provided by your e-mail program.

   Never open any attachment with two extensions.  For instance, "iamavirus.txt.vbs" should definitely cause you to raise an eyebrow.  Virus creators use this as a way to disguise their destructive payload.  Many of our computers are set to not display any extensions at all so the double extension rule may not always work.

   Check your ISP's policy on reporting spam and take the time to report it to the appropriate ISP.

10. Protect your privacy. Don't post information on living relatives to web sites or e-mail mailing lists. Don't give out credit card or personal information unless using encryption to a trusted recipient.

11. Keep calm. Be knowledgeable. Infection does not happen all that often, and it is usually cleared up with little trouble. Stay informed and don't overreact to reports of new viruses. Many virus warnings which come out may not involve an attachment, but instead tell you to download a file or change something on your computer because it contains a virus. Never do anything to remove a virus before checking to be sure you truly have a virus. You can get the latest information on viruses and hoaxes at http://antivirus.about.com and http://urbanlegends.about.com.
     

12. Use blind CC if e-mailing to multiple recipients. You can disguise your e-mail address which appears on mailing lists or web pages to prevent spam e-mail harvesters from obtaining your true e-mail address (e.g., charliehNOSPAM@cadvision.com) You may wish to have more than one e-mail address.

13. Avoid outsiders gaining access to your computer via your internet connection. Use a Firewall program to prevent or alert you to requests for access to your computer . This should also alert or prevent unauthorized automatic updates to system or downloaded programs.

14. These Three Firewalls were FREEWARE (last time I checked)

    1. ZoneAlarm

    2. Tiny Personal Firewall

    3. Sygate Firewall

A virus can come from other sources as well. I'm sure many of you have played some of the cute little games that you can find on the Internet - things like "Bop a Mole" or Frog Blender". Most of them are relatively safe but then again it is very easy for even a beginning virus writer to slip a little extra payload in behind the game. The important thing to remember is that not only can you get a virus from one of these games sent to you by email, but you can also get a virus by visiting a web site where they allow you to play these games. Be careful, be cautious.

This link also might be helpful:

Microsoft Security & Privacy Center
Ensuring you PC is Protected before an attack.

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Practicing Safe Computing Habits in your Program Settings
Thereby making it difficult or even nearly impossible for viruses to run on your OS.

Obviously - at this moment, your system is connected to a network and/or to the Internet. You are probably benefiting from the productiveness and life-enhancing information access services provide. Sending and receiving emails, chatting online with friends, surfing the Internet via web browsers, and downloading data or program files are a few of the most common activities.

Unfortunately, these activities also expose your operating system to malicious code threats like computer viruses and Trojans.

A computer virus is a tiny program, often written in an ill-directed attempt at high-tech humor. Many of the early viruses were little more than computerized graffiti. However, they've evolved into something far more dangerous and malicious. Many of the social diseases that have infected personal computers over the last few years have been fairly harmless, providing more annoyance than real damage. Unfortunately, a growing number are proving to be hazardous to the general well-being of your PC.

A computer is initially infected by diseased software. The contaminated software carries with it the hidden virus which copies itself from the program into the working memory of the computer.

The virus then copies itself from the computer onto any disk that is inserted into the disk drive. The virus travels on with that disk, hoping to find its way into another computer. This cloning ability allows the infection to spread from disk to computer to disk to computer ad infinitum. A single infected disk can often spread a virus to hundreds of socially active computers.

Once resident in the computer, the virus lies dormant, waiting for some event to awaken it. Some are triggered by a date, others by a variety of random events. Most are relatively benign upon execution. Silly messages, political statements and animated scenes are commonly displayed on the computer monitor. While the percentage that do serious damage is small, the malicious ones more than make up for their harmless cousins.

The dangerous infections may result in the loss of data, the corruption of files or even in the complete erasure of everything stored on the drive. With experts estimating that three new computer viruses are unleashed on the vulnerable computer world each day, the number of dangerous diseases is growing proportionally.

The power of today's computer can as easily access useful information as make you the dupe of viruses that hide in email attachments as well as from program installation files which are accessed from the World Wide Web.

It is all too easy to inadvertently trigger today's sophisticated viruses that will immediately mass-mail themselves out to, and infect all your friends', customers and colleagues' computers.

There have been several  global virus outbreaks in recent years:

W97M_Melissa,
VBS_Loveletter (a.k.a. LoveBug),
VBS_Fireburn, W97M_Resume
and VBS_Newlove

All of these have clearly shown how negative the effects of  malicious code technology can be. Practicing safer computing habits - mainly make it more difficult for malicious code to enter or execute on client systems. Nevertheless, the recommended safe computing practices are not intended to replace currently updated antivirus software.

Users whose systems have been attacked by viruses or Trojans can tell stories about what a hassle they can be at minimum – or about the important data they may have lost. In general, most viruses are mere nuisances, but every once in a while a new virus comes along that uses a new technique and causes major computer problems or threatens data or data security.

These Safe Computing Practices will add a protective layer of defense to prevent viruses from running inadvertently.

To reduce the risk of virus infections, and of inadvertently triggering or spreading them to other people, I  would like to share some easily implemented "safe computing" practices. Put these into effect on your machine today and they will help keep you using today's advanced computer information access technology without becoming a victim of some malevolent hacker's viruses and other malicious code.

To make your system more robust, follow these practices outlined below to set up and configure your system. The general idea is to make it difficult or even nearly impossible for viruses to run.

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Always Apply All the Latest Microsoft Security Updates

In order to close security holes that have been discovered since Windows was shipped and installed, I'd advise everyone (who uses Windows) to visit the Microsoft Update Website at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Then follow the on-line instructions on how to update your system. Security updates will help prevent hackers from accessing your system and prevent viruses from running on your system.

Windows users can also use the Windows Update feature on their "Start Menus" to get all the latest security updates.

Simply click "Start" and then select "Windows Update"

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Set Internet Explorer Security to at Least "Medium"

By default, the Internet Explorer Security Setting is set to "Medium." However, sometimes in many operating systems (even ones where the virus was discovered and removed) the security system was then changed to "Low" by a virus, Trojan, or hacker.

I'd encourage every user to regularly check to ensure that their IE security setting is set to at least "Medium", as this will reduce the risk of accidentally running a malicious file from that point on... But especially check this setting if your Anti-Virus software alarm goes off  indicating that you have inadvertently downloaded a virus into your system

At the "Medium" security level, Internet Explorer will prompt users immediately - before running potentially unsafe content.

Internet Explorer (5 or above) will also display the following warning message before running any Active-X controls (as shown on the picture below).

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I would also advise that users always save downloaded files (especially if you frequently receive e-mail attachments) to the local hard drive and then scan them with an up-to-date antivirus product prior to opening any files - particularly program installation files that you download from the internet.

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Disable the Windows Scripting Host Functionality

Definitely disable the Windows Scripting Host Functionality  to prevent Visual Basic script viruses like VBS_LoveLetter from running, so that they cannot activate, spread or cause damage to files. 

The typical PC does not need Windows Scripting Host (WSH) in order to function normally.

Click Here if you want to find out more about this from Microsoft Corp Windows Script Host Documentation also Windows Script Host Basics. Don't be fooled by Microsoft's glorifying "love-letter-like" documentation about Windows Scripting Host Functionality - the fact is: this "functionality" leaves you wide-open to to hackers like the malicious one who created the VBS_LoveLetter virus.

 

You can always change your mind later and reinstall WSH by repeating these steps listed below and then re-selecting "Window Scripting Host" checkbox.

Windows 98 systems

Windows Scripting Host is installed by default when you install Windows 98 or Internet Explorer.

To prevent scripts (or .VBS files) from running:

1. Open the Control Panel by selecting "Start", "Settings" and then "Control Panel".

2. Double click on "Add/Remove Programs"

   Select the "Windows Setup" tab

4. Double-click on "Accessories"

5. Unmark the "Windows Scripting Host"

6. Click the "OK" button

Windows 95 Systems

Windows 95 systems did not initially come with the Windows Scripting Host.

However, the WSH is installed automatically when you install Internet Explorer.

To disable scripts (with the extension, .VBS) from running on Windows 95 systems:

1. Start "Windows Explorer" To do this, select "Start", "Programs" and then "Windows Explorer".  (Please note, this is not the same as Internet Explorer.)

2. Select "View" then select "Option"

3. Select the "File Types" tab

4. Search and select "VBScript Script File"

5. Click "Delete" and then confirm the removal by selecting "Yes"

Windows 2000 Systems

The Windows Scripting Host is installed by default on Windows 2000 systems.

To disable scripts (with the extension .VBS) from running on Windows 2000 systems:

1. Start Windows Explorer

2. Select "Tools" then "Folder Options"

3. Select the "File Types" tab

4. Search and Select "VBScript Script File"

5. Click "Delete" and then confirm the removal by selecting "Yes"

Windows NT 4 Systems

Windows NT 4 systems do not come with the Windows Scripting Host.

However, the WSH is installed automatically when you install Internet Explorer.

To disable scripts (with the extension .vbs) from running on Windows NT 4 systems:

1. Log on with Administrator's right

2. Start Windows Explorer

3. Select "View" and then "Options"

4. Select the "File Types" tab

5. Search and Select "VBScript File"

6. Click "Remove" and then confirm the removal by selecting "Yes"

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Do Not Hide File Extensions of Known File Types

All Windows operating systems, by default, hide the known file extensions in Windows Explorer. This feature can be used by virus writers and hackers to disguise malicious programs as some other file formats, such as text, video or audio files. For example, a malicious program file named "readme.txt.exe" is displayed as "readme.txt" in Windows Explorer (see illustration below). Therefore users are often tricked into clicking the "text" file and then into inadvertently running the malicious file.

To avoid this confusion, you are recommended to change the Windows Explorer setting to "Not hide the File Extension of known File Types."

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How, you ask, do you practice safe software?

When adding new software to your computer, Anti-Virus Software should always be used. No matter how reputable the new addition to your hard drive, a cautious approach is the only way to remain healthy and unaffected. In point of fact hackers often design their viruses to spring to action through popular "reputable" software that you may download from the internet - the program itself is not infected - but the virus that you had previously may be lying dormant in your system is then triggered when you download something else from the web.

An anti-virus program analyzes a disk, looking for mathematical signatures which identify a software intruder. Once found, the protective software can inoculate the infected program, rendering the offending bacteria null and void.

Just to be sure that software you download doesn't contain any viruses, you can scan it using any of several popular anti-virus software packages. Downloading software to a temporary folder on your computer doesn't in itself pose much of a threat. The potential damage usually occurs when you run the software or, in the case of data files, open them in a word processor or other application.

Copies of software, passed from friend to friend, remain the expressway on which most infections travel. The best advice is "don't pirate software".

If you use software downloaded from bulletin boards or telecommunications networks, always use Anti-Virus Software prior to installing and using the new software. While shareware is a growing way to expand your software collection without breaking the household budget, this source of socialistic software must be approached cautiously.

The use of rented software is an increasingly high-risk behavior pattern that dictates the use of common sense and safety precautions. Stop and think about it. Do you have any idea how many computers have had an intimate relationship with those disks you are about to install onto your system? The potential for exposure to unwanted infections is quite high

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Advice Regarding What to do When Your Brand New Computer Finally Arrives
(But DOES NOT function correctly):

Do NOT Delay!
RETURN IT IMMEDIATELY!
 

In my experience, if a computer; or for that matter, any other electronic equipment - especially when I'm buying a brand NEW computer) - does not run perfectly from the moment I fire it up (of course after I have checked to see that all of the wires are connected correctly)

 

I always...

 

Immediately send it back for a full refund, if that is possible.

 

The simple truth of the matter is that the longer you put off asking for a refund the better the odds that you will never receive one. This holds true of course – with anything that you buy anywhere – but this is especially pertinent and true with electronic equipment purchased from the web – in these days of 'outsourced' computer and electronic companies (as well as the “Could you please spell that out” tech support).

 

While this is definitely a hassle - to have to immediately return the computer straightaway -  the way I figure this situation - if a company manufacturer cannot even send me a computer that (at the very least) actually functions properly when I originally plug it in; what’s the point of waiting around until something else goes wrong… or when the warrantee runs out?

 

Why wait - or risk having to call them again and again? As time goes on though, after all of the hassles of shipping your equipment back and fourth to the factory numerous times, loss of data, time and effort spent trying to resolve the problem(s) – the company is most likely well aware of the fact that you will probably not come back to them...

 

Therefore, quite logically (from the company's perspective, that is) there is absolutely no 'incentive' for these companies to 'accept' a late return at that point and to thereby take back the "now-completely-worthless" equipment from a customer who has no intention of purchasing from that company in the future.

 

The longer you wait to send it back...

The LESS chance you will be able to do so!

 

If the company did not even bother take the time to test the computer on the way out the door - it is a good bet that their 'support' in the future will be just as dreadful, as well... And besides that - I have absolutely no interest in having to wait around nervously hoping that nothing else goes 'bonkers'.

 

Don't waste time getting angry

with the first Service or Support Rep you reach

When you call them to return it - THEY didn't break the dang thing!

 

Additionally, I do not waste time getting huffy with them when I contact them requesting ‘instructions’ for the immediate refund either – after all, the person who reads my letter is not responsible or at fault at all for the defective equipment.

 

THE "UNSPOKEN" REALITY... (about 'immediate' returns)

 

Also, the 'unspoken reality' is the simple fact that tech companies can ‘write off’ most of the cost of an ‘immediately refunded’ item when it is sent back to them right away – and even usually resell the equipment as "used" to resellers shortly after that.

 

A "Hassle?" - Perhaps, but better to get the problem over with NOW!

 

All this is a hassle, of course. However, in my experience it is always far better to "Return First - Ask Questions Later" - than to risk the possibility of getting stuck with a potential 'dud' that will be worthless in the short term and for the long haul, as well.

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Protecting Yourself from Spam

SPAM - The "basic" definition is unsolicited commercial junk email that nearly all of us receive - and hate. These email messages, usually sent in mass-mailings to hundreds of thousands of people at once, are full of promises of money, free vacations, and even pornographic pictures. Government regulation may still be several years away (many prior attempts to regulate mass commercial emailing in the U.S. have been overturned as unconstitutional), so how can you protect yourself?

1. Don't Reply - Even if the email says that you can reply to have yourself removed from the list, don't do it. A reply basically confirms that you are a person with an active email address which opens you up to even more unwanted email solicitations. People who actually do the spamming often get paid bonuses based on how many people that they incite to reply to them. Every time you hit a link on a SPAMMERS e-mail you support this industry. When you get these active hyperlinks in SPAM - who knows what site they will bring you to? Also, as I stated earlier - you can also get a virus by visiting a web site where those unknown and unreliable links lead you to!
    

2. Don't Post Your Email Address in Public Places - As a computer enthusiast who loves computer based forums - I certainly do not want to discourage people from posting on message boards. They are one of the best places online for making those all-important "computer tips" connections. However, you should choose the places you post with care. Many message boards allow you to post and receive replies to your messages and queries without having to make your email address public (you login via a free account which keeps your information private) or display email addresses as images so that marketers can't intercept them for junk mail purposes. The best even allow you to receive email "notifications" when you have received a reply to your post. The "board" sends you an e-mail notifying you that you can hit a link and go to the web to receive the message - bypassing the annoyance and nesciences of the possibility of some strange weirdo troll who visits the board - or a spammer - from getting your address.
    

3. Create a Separate Public Email Account - posting to public mailing lists  makes it much easier for spammers to find your email address. Web-based email accounts are free and easy to set up, so set one up for your public board or forum use. Don't use it for personal or work email, but give it out when you sign up for mailing lists or shop online. That way, if the spam gets too bad, you can always delete the email address and create a new one.

4. Report the Offenders - If you have the time and inclination, then reporting the spammers to their ISP may help.
    

5. Use Filters to Screen Out Spam - Many email programs allow you to set rules to filter out certain messages. This can be handy at filtering spam emails straight to your trash bin based on certain key words or domains. This won't get them all, but should at least cut down on the annoyances.
    

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How to Make a Spam Filter in OE

Sick of Receiving Spam 24 hrs a day?
Can the SPAM - Here's How to Use the OE Filter:

Unwanted junk email (usually called spam) has exploded. It used to be an annoyance, but now it's 80% or more of my email. A few months ago, Yahoo began selling their 100 million email addresses and spammers have begun to bombard us with junk email. Much of this is really offensive stuff.

If you're using Microsoft Outlook as your email program, you can stop quite a bit of it by creating email Rules. These Rules will automatically process emails as they arrive. If an email matches a rule, then the email will be automatically deleted. For example, if a spammer sends you an email with "Free teen porn" in the subject line, you create a rule that deletes any email that uses the word "teen porn" in the subject line.

The Rules are flexible. You can create rules that delete emails, copy or move them into folders, automatically reply to them, or send them to other addresses.

Here's how to create a Rule to delete spam.

1. Open Microsoft Outlook Express (If you use Outlook Office, or another email program, the steps are similar. Ask your tech support to show you how to do this.)

2. Select an email that is spam. For example, "Guaranteed Approval! $5,000 Credit Limit."

3. Select the menu option Tools | Message Rules | Mail.

4. In the message box, click New. We will create a new rule.

5. In the New Mail Rule, under 1. Conditions, click "Where the Subject line contains specific words."

6. Under 2. Actions, select "Copy it to the specified folder."

7. Under 3. Rule Description, you set the words that will start the rule. Click on "...contains specific words"

8. This opens a new message box (Type Specific Words.) In the top line, type Guaranteed Approval and then click Add.

9. Let's add some more words. Type "teen sex" and click Add.

10. Type "porn" and click Add. You can write down a list of words from various spam emails and add them to this list.

11. When you finish, click Okay.

12. This returns to the Mail Rule box. Under 3. Rule Description, click "specified folder." This lets you set where the spam shall go. You can either send it directly to the Deleted Items folder or you can create a new folder entitled Spam.

13. Finally, you can name the rule. For example, call it Spam.

14. Click OK to save your work and click OK again to exit.

With a bit of work, you can block a great deal of spam. Don't type the long titles of spam; they often change the words to fool your filter. Add the key words from their titles.

You can also block words within emails. Again, create a rule based on email content, and add a list of words.

Get this: When I set up my filter, I added the added the subject "Hi!" I told my neighbor about this and she said "but what if someone in the family or a friend sends you an email with "Hi!"? I said if someone writes like that, I do not want to read it want to read it.

Think about it... How many unsolicited SPAM e-mails have you received with the single word "Hi!" in the title section of the e-mail?

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Identity Theft on the WEB - Protect Your Identity from Thieves!

IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes of our time. What used to be a low tech, low profit crime has become a highly profitable, technologically intensified crime. Organized international and national gangs as well as individuals with a computer are involved. Once discovered, it may take months or even years and thousands of dollars for a victim to clear their name.

Tips to avoid identity theft.

Identity theft again tops the list of consumer complaints, according to a new report from the Federal Trade Commission. Identity thieves rob more than 500,000 Americans every year. Credit can be damaged, and fixing it can cost you hundreds (even thousands) of dollars and take hundreds of hours of your time.

These 10 steps will help you reduce your risk of identity theft.

Guard your Social Security number

Your Social Security number is the key to your credit report and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals. Do not print your Social Security number on your checks. Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement once a year to check for fraud.

Monitor your credit report.

Your credit report contains your SSN, present and prior employers, a listing of all account numbers, including those that have been closed, and your overall credit score.

 Ask to Have Your Social Security Number Truncated

After applying for a loan, credit card, rental or anything else that requires a credit report, request that your SSN on the application be truncated or completely obliterated and your original credit report be shredded before your eyes or returned to you once a decision has been made.

Subscribe to a credit report monitoring service that will notify you when...

A lender or rental manager needs to retain only your name and credit score to justify a decision. Subscribe to a credit report monitoring service that will notify you whenever someone applies for credit in your name.

Never give your credit card number or personal information over the phone

Never give your credit card number or personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and trust that business.

Protect Your Credit Cards & Numbers

Do not carry extra credit cards or other important identity documents except when needed. Examine the charges on your credit card statements before paying them. Cancel unused credit card accounts.

Shred Documents Prior to Disposing them

Shred all old bank and credit statements and "junk mail" credit card offers before trashing them. Use a crosscut shredder. Crosscut shredders cost more than regular shredders but are superior.

Add your name to the name-deletion lists

Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit reporting bureaus to reduce the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive. Add your name to the name-deletion lists of the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service used by banks and other marketers.

Photocopy All Identity Cards

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of your license and credit cards so you have all the account numbers, expiration dates and phone numbers if your wallet or purse is stolen.

If Possible - Mail Bills at the Post Office

Do not mail bill payments and checks from home. They can be stolen from your mailbox and washed clean in chemicals. Take them to the post office.

Criminals obtain personal information several ways that include:

• stolen laptops with credit card numbers and other  personal information stored on it.

• stolen wallets or purses containing Ids, Credit or Bank cards.

• stolen mail, especially bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers.

• stolen trash, commonly called 'Dumpster Diving' using personal information you share on the internet.

• e-mailing scams, sometimes posing as legitimate businesses.

• offers that are too good to be true (Have you ever been offered millions to help the widow of some poor third world official?).

• malicious hacking into your computer.

More organized groups may steal information from banks, insurance companies or other businesses. It is important to minimize your risk. Protect and manage your personal information at home and at work by:

• checking your credit rating annually (In several U.S. states you can have one free credit rating annually--see addresses listed below for credit bureaus).

• not giving out personal information on the phone, over the internet or by mail.

• shredding any papers with personal information on it.

• canceling all financial cards if your wallet or purse is stolen. (Hint: use the copy machine to duplicate all contents of your wallet and keep those copies in a safe place).

• giving out your social security number only when necessary.

• not using your social security number on your driver's license.

• paying attention to your bills, especially if one does not arrive when expected.

Practicing safe computer skills:

• Update your virus protection.

• Do not download files or open unknown attachments.

• Use a firewall and a secure browser.

• Do not store personal and/or financial information on a laptop or work computer. If you must store these on your computer, use encryptions.

If you suspect that you are a victim:

• Report the crime to state police or your local police department.

• Notify all three Credit Bureaus and have a fraud alert placed on your account.

• Create a log and document all your actions.

Many police departments have a great deal of experience with Identity Theft. They are willing to assist you in reporting the crime and contacting the agencies able to aid you in clearing your name.

Agencies

Federal Trade Commission
1-877-ID-THEFT
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft

US Postal Service
http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/idthft_ncpw.htm

Social Security Fraud Hotline
1-800-269-0277

Credit Bureaus

Equifax
http://www.equifax.com/
P.O. Box 105873 Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5873
Telephone 1-800-997-2493

Experian Information Systems (TRW)
http://www.experian.com/
P.O. Box 949 Allen TX 75013-0949
Telephone 1-888-397-3742

TransUnion
http://www.transunion.com/
P.O.Box 390 Springfield, PA 19064-0390
Telephone 1-800-916-8800

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Tuning up/Improving PC performance

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Your computer's hard disk is like a file cabinet. But while you are working, it can get pretty disorganized. When a program is installed on your computer, the program's files are typically broken up over multiple locations on your hard disk. This is called fragmentation. Fragmentation slows the performance of programs on your computer. Disk Defragmenter reorganizes the files on your hard disk into contiguous blocks, improving the performance of your programs because the files are arranged closer together.

Disk Defragmenter can also create a log file to determine which programs you run most frequently. All such frequently used files are then placed in a single location on your hard disk, which further reduces the time needed to start those programs.

If you use your computer a lot, it's a good idea to run Disk Defragmenter on a regular basis. It's also a good idea to run Disk Defragmenter after you install a lot of applications to enable them to run at top speed.

Here's how to run Disk Defragmenter:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.

2. Click the Settings tab, select the check boxes you want (to ensure fastest startup of programs, select the first box), and then click OK.

3. Click the drive you want to defragment, click OK, and then click Yes.
   Note: It is best to shut down all your applications before you run Disk Defragmenter.

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Tuning up/Checking for errors using ScanDisk:

Tuning up/Checking for errors using ScanDisk ensures that your hard disk stores information properly. It automatically corrects damaged files and helps you regain unused disk space. ScanDisk checks your hard disk for physical errors. If the error occurs in a data storage area, it will relocate the data and mark off the damaged area so that no further data is stored there.

ScanDisk can check files and folders for invalid file names, dates, or times. It can also detect "lost file fragments," and you can choose either to have those automatically deleted or first converted to files for viewing. It can also detect files that inadvertently occupy the same area of a disk, and again you can choose to have these deleted or saved.

After completing its task, ScanDisk can display a summary, indicating whether it found and repaired any errors.

When to run ScanDisk:
Microsoft Windows has been enhanced to run ScanDisk automatically in case the operating system is shut down improperly or your hard disk is faulty. In addition, as part of regular maintenance, ScanDisk should be scheduled to run daily at some convenient time when your computer is not otherwise in use. You can also choose to run ScanDisk at any time outside of the set schedule.

It's also a good idea to run ScanDisk on a regular basis: once a week for Standard, and once a month for Thorough.

Here's how to use ScanDisk:

1. Click the Start button.

2. Point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click ScanDisk.

3. Click the drive you want to scan, and choose either the Standard or Thorough test.

4. Click Start.
    

   • The Standard test checks the files and folders on the selected drives for errors.

   • The Thorough test will give you further options. It performs the Standard test plus checks your hard disk drive for physical damage. You can even specify to scan areas of your disk containing only data files, or just the areas with system files, or both.

   • Both Standard and Thorough have a set of Advanced options that help you to deal with lost file fragments, invalid files, and files that overlap the same disk space. You can also choose to keep a log file of what ScanDisk finds.

   

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Take Precautions While Working at the Computer at your Workstation

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Working at our computers, most of us are not concerned about how our workstation is set up. We are more concerned about turning on the machine and starting to work. We then sit hunched over at the computer for a couple of hours and later wonder why we feel so tired at the end of the day. Our eyes may be blurred, our wrists may feel sore, our shoulders, necks and backs may ache a bit, and we feel totally drained.

Before starting to work at your computer, adjust the height, seat pan, seat tilt and back of your chair to your comfort.

Aside from just feeling fatigued, some computer users have experienced work-related injuries to the wrist, neck, shoulders or arms--sometimes permanently, partially as a result of improper workstation setup, bad work habits and just not knowing what precautions to take. Here are a few guidelines on setting up your workstation at home, school and in the office, as well as safe work habits to practice when using your computer:

Before starting to work at your computer, adjust the height, seat pan, seat tilt and back of your chair to your comfort.

The ideal chair is one where components are adjustable and your body is fully supported by the chair.

Your feet should be flat on the floor and slightly in front of you. Knees should be at a comfortable open angle, thighs parallel to the floor, chair back slightly reclined and your back should be against the lumbar support. If your chair does not have a lumbar support, you should get a cushion that helps support your back

Avoid crossing your legs or hugging the chair with your legs while using the computer. This inhibits blood flow, causing lower limb circulation problems, and increasing fatigue.

You should be able to sit back in your chair comfortably and use the keyboard and mouse. Bring them to you! You should not be hunched over with your neck craned and your arms stretched out to use the mouse or keyboard. Try to relax your body as you work.

Make sure all work tools (phone, often-used books) are within reach so that you do not have to do too much reaching or stretching.

Ideally, your computer monitor and keyboard should be placed directly in front of you so that there is no twisting of your body as you type or use the mouse. In addition, placing the monitor at or slightly below eye level prevents the tilting up or down of your neck as you view the monitor.

Your computer monitor should be positioned perpendicular to the light source in your work area so that there is no light shining directly on the monitor creating glare and reflections.

Your wrists should be in a wrist-neutral position so that there is no bending, flexing or extension as you typ