How to buy online more securely

You wouldn't mail an unsealed envelope because anyone with access to it could read the contents. And they just might steal the information or contents. So remember to take precautions when you are online. Here are a few:

• Make sure that you only buy products or services, pay bills, or provide personal data from a secure web page. This means the website encrypts the information.
• Check the web address in the browser's address bar. A secure web server address should start with "https://" ("s" for secure) rather than the normal "http://".
• Look for a "padlock" icon in the browser's status bar (in the lower right in Internet Explorer). Check the encryption level by hovering your mouse pointer over the icon.

Tip: You can find more detailed information about the security and encryption level of the site you are viewing by double-clicking on the lock icon in the location bar and viewing the
tabs (General, Details, and Certification Path) in the pop-up.
By the way, just because a website uses encryption doesn't mean it's legit. Malicious sites can mimic "good" ones and use encryption too. Be cautious. Be paranoid. It's OK ... your money and identity is at risk.

Hold on to Windows XP?

You may want or need to hold on to Windows XP instead of upgrading to Vista. If so, you should know that you can still get some of the benefits of Vista by adding on to XP. Here are some cool add-ons, (courtesy of an article by Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows). These are free unless a price is listed. Read Paul's article for a more in-depth review of each category.

• Desktop search: Windows Search
• AntiSpyware: Windows Defender
• Web browser: MSIE 7.0 (not yet in final release)
• Sidebar and Gadgets: Yahoo Widget Engine or Google Desktop
• Backup/Restore: Windows One-Care ($15-$20/yr)
• Email: Mozilla Thunderbird or Microsoft Windows Live Mail Desktop Beta
• Calendar: Mozilla Sunbird or Google Calendar
• Photo gallery, management, & sharing: Picasa 2 from Google.
• Digital Media Jukebox: Windows Media Player 11 for XP
• Digital movie editor: Windows Movie Maker 6

Clean up Windows files and folders

Fred Langa, author of the LangaList newsletter, offers great tips. His 2002 series on cleanup of multiple versions of Windows is still a classic. The linked page contains:

• Basic cleanup for all versions of windows
• Advanced cleanup batch file (Win 9x)
• Advanced cleanup for other versions of Windows (including XP)
• Sageset tips
• Sagerun tips
• Cleaning of temporary files folders
• Advanced use of cleanup commands

At both work and home I use a custom version of "cleanxp.bat". It's fast and handy. You wouldn't believe how many problems it "magically" fixes. I often tell clients to exit from all programs and then run it before trying more advanced troubleshooting. Too many programs leave behind temporary files that they should delete when you close them.

Fred's LangaList newsletter comes in two versions -- free and an inexpensive paid ("Plus") version. It's available in varied emailed formats as well as on the web. The Plus version gets you even more juicy tips. Oh ... and despite coming from New Hampshire, Fred doesn't take anything for granite.

Google fun!

There are a bazillion ways to enjoy Google. Now there's a book, "55 Ways to Have Fun with Google", that lets others in on Google entertainment.

This unique book is available as a purchase or even as a free PDF or MS Word download. Just make sure you read the Creative Commons license.

HP printer power cord recall

If you have an HP printer in one of the following series (at work or home), check whether the power cord has been recalled.

• DeskJet 800 series
• DeskJet 900 series
• PhotoSmart 1000 series
• PhotoSmart 1100 series
• PhotoSmart 1200 series
• PhotoSmart 1300 series

HP power cord recall page

Share your firewall log

The DShield organization, which appears affiliated with the SANS Internet Storm Center, collects information about what attacks are being seen at computers. If you have a broadband internet connection (DSL or cable modem), you really need a firewall. And if you have a firewall, it should be set to generate a log of incoming and outgoing communication attempts.

The DShield site puts received data into a database so they can analyze attacks. They also have a list of how to send the data for various firewalls. The site also has links to third-party solutions.

DShield describes this as a distributed intrusion detection system, since tons of people pitch in from all over the globe.

• How to submit firewall logs to DShield

Create a healthy computer work environment

Computers are everywhere and we spend a ton of time using them. But we often neglect to take care of our bodies, which hammer away at keyboards, tenaciously gripping mice, and sitting uncomfortably for long periods of time -- all the while staring at flickering monitor screens.

About.com has a series of pages with tips to reduce strain on your body while you use your computer. Give yourself a break (literally). Take these tips to heart and enjoy a happier, healthier life.

Please note that About.com has pop-ups on nearly every page. So if you don't want to see them, enable your pop-up blocker before clicking on a link below.

• Avoid computer vision syndrome.
• Prevent eye strain.
• Use eye-strengthening exercises. Here's some "Yoga exercises for the eyes" -- exercises that everyone can do!
• Adjust your monitor and lighting setup.
• Properly use your keyboard and mouse.
• Get a good chair and use good posture.

Intel Centrino Wireless driver security vulnerability

The Microsoft Windows drivers for the Intel 2200BG and 2915ABG PRO/Wireless Network Connection Hardware have a secuity vulnerability and should be patched.

How do you tell if you need this? Use Device Manager:

1. Select the Start Button
2. RIGHT-click on "My Computer"
3. Select "Properties" from the pop-up menu.
4. Select the "Device Manager" button
5. Expand the "Network adapters" section if it's not already expanded.
6. If either of the above adapters shows in your list, RIGHT-click on the adapter and then select "Properties"
7. Select the "Driver" tab and note the Driver version.

The Intel site has the wireless driver patch and more details.

Like emerging technology? Read a blog

Reuters (the news people) have an interesting "Emerging Technology" blog. If you're a technology news junkie, add this one to your list. And here's a few more, in no particular order. Surf. Enjoy.

• Tech & Space blog (Angela Gunn, USA Today)
• cNet Tech Blogs - an umbrella blog for all their tech blogs
• Gizmodo (gadgets)
• Engadget
• Wired News
• Technology News (Popular Mechanics)
• Reiter's Wireless Data Web Log
• PhysOrd Weblog (for science and tech buffs)
• Educational Technology
• Slashdot ("news for nerds")
• Techdirt
• TechE Blog (tech and gadget news)
• ZD Net Tech blogs - an umbrella blog for all their tech blogs
• SciFi Tech
• Tech blog

Fake Google toolbar spreads virus

Surf Control reports that computer hackers are now using a Google Toolbar look-alike application. The fake app tries to lure you into installing a malicious program. Be paranoid. Be very, very paranoid.