4.)
BIZ*TECH SAVVY SOLUTIONS
_____________________
Do Not Make
These Common Mistakes
by Syd Tash
For the last 10
years, I have been writing about what to do to keep you and your
computer safe and secure. Today, for a change, we will talk about
what NOT to do to keep your PC nice and healthy for many years, while
YOU avoid a lot of frustration, lost time and a lightened wallet.
1. Do not turn
off your computer using the switch on the power bar. Use the proper
procedure, i.e. click Start, Turn Off Computer, Turn Off. If your
computer freezes or you get the dreaded Blue Screen of Death
(especially if you still have Windows Me), try the good ol' CTRL + Alt
+ Del before hitting the Reset button, or doing anything else.
2. Never turn off
your PC while you are in a program, or have multiple windows open.
Close all the windows and applications first.
3. If you turn
your computer off for any reason, wait a minute or so before turning
it back on again. This allows the machine to clear memory and get
ready for bootup.
4. Never connect
new hardware while the computer is on. Turn everything off, connect
your hardware, then boot up again.
5. Never push the
release button on that CD or floppy drive until the drive light goes
out. Never force a disk into the drive. If it will not go in easily,
check for pilot error (you may have it backwards or upside down!)
6. Keep magnets
away from those floppies, and far from your computer as well.
7. Never bring
food or especially liquids near your PC. If you do spill something on
the keyboard, clean it up immediately. If the keys stick or you have
other problems, as a last resort you can run the keyboard through the
dishwasher, top rack, face down, with no soap. Let it dry for a
couple of days, then try it.
8. Do not fall
for phishing scams on the Internet. Follow this one simple rule: If
you want to go to the Web site of your bank, broker, eBay, etc. click
your Desktop icon or Favorites link, or TYPE the address into the
browser address bar. Never click such links in an email or on a Web
site. Never copy and paste your username or password. The contents
of your Clipboard can be seen.
9. Do not accept
offers you may see online to scan your computer or Registry for
viruses or spyware. Some of these programs will report an infection
where none exists (false positive) to scare you into buying their
software. Even worse, other programs may actually infect your machine
with malware. Besides, you do have a full set of security programs
already, right? If not, get them!
You may want to print
out this list and keep it handy. Or better yet, why not forward this
entire newsletter to your friends? Happy (and safe!) surfing.
-----
Syd Tash is a noted computer security
consultant and author of
How to Protect Your Computer Online. He has been keeping
Internet surfers safe and secure since the last century. Find out
how he does it; protect your own computer with five layers of
protection right here: =>
http://mypcsecuritysite.com
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