You need more than Windows Update

If you use Microsoft Windows, you are likely familiar with Windows Update, the free service that installs security patches, bug patches, and some enhancements to Windows. But you really need much more.

You need to get updates for other Microsoft prograns, such as Microsoft Office. You can do that by installing "Microsoft Update ".

Next, download and install the Secunia Personal Software Inspector and check for outdated programs and ones needing updates. Though in beta, it works well and is an eye-opener.

Don't put it off -- prote t your computer now!

Outdated programs risky

Many programs these days need updates, not just your operating system (e.g. Windows). As an example, today's Windows Secrets points to the following common programs:

• Adobe Reader
• Macromedia Flash
• Apple Quicktime
• Sun Java
• Mozilla FireFox

Most of these programs default to checking for updates. But if you ignore the update message or if it only checks once a month, you can be way behind in plugging security holes (a.k.a. "vulnerabilities").

What can you do about that? One very big help is the free Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI). You can try it online first and download if it serves as an eye opener for you -- it did for me.

For one thing, I discovered old versions of Sun Java on my system. Any "point" version needs to be updated to its most recent one. For example, the only currently secure versions of Sun Java JRE are version 5 update 12 and version 6 Update 2 (also known as 1.5.0_12 and 1.6.0_02)

Personal information security

I got some new ideas on improving security of my personal information from tips emailed to me at work. Use the tips below to better protect your personal information:

• When printing checks, print only your first initial and last name. A check forger will not know what first name to use.
• Do not list your phone number on a printed check. Write it in by hand, but only when required.
• Do not sign your credit cards, despite the instruction on the card to do so. If your card gets stolen, a signature is a great find for a forger. Instead, use pen to write on the signature line, "Require Photo ID." It helps.
• Photocopy both sides of your driver's license, all credit cards, etc. If any get lost or stolen, you have a fast memory jog, including the emergency numbers to call.
• Fill in only the required parts of an online form. The more information you reveal, the greater the chance of its misuse.

Health by Google?

Google has ambitious plans in expanding its easy-to-use applications to Google Health. One thing that concerns me is the potential for harvesting of personal medical data.

Google can't be 100% attack-proof, no matter how security-conscious they are. So I'd expect that eventually a hacker would break into at least some people's health information.

Also, you give a doctor access to your online profile (medical history, medicines, allergies, operations, symptoms, etc.). So do they get a one-time password entry or would you have to change your password after every such access (yuk!)?

• Read about Google Health

Google now packs StarOffice

Google has announced that it will include Sun's StarOffice as a free download as part of Google Pack. Previously, a StarOffice download form Sun cost $70. Since Google let's you select exactly which apps you want as part of Google Pack, this is a no-brainer.

If you are an average home user, why pay for Microsoft Office when you buy a PC? Just download StarOffice as part of Google Pack.

I'll shortly be ordering a computer for a relative and stocking it with apps. Below are the programs I'll pick from Google Pack:

• FireFox with Google Toolbar
• Adobe Reader
• StarOffice
• Picasa
• Google talk (this only because the relative is not a Gmail user).