Simple Tips & Tricks for Windows based PCs.

Wireless Networking

Get a good Access Point/Router (Like Linksys, Netgear, or even D-Link)

Pick and set a channel – this will keep the network from jumping to other channels and knocking you off when you are moving around.  Also, if you have more than one Access Point, the same channels tend to overlap better in my opinion.

Use encryption - any is better than none.  Unless you are accessing secret or wealth data via VPN your data isn’t worth hacking anyway.  If you are accessing sensitive data, talk to your network administrator about using a wireless system at home.  They will probably not allow it (I don’t).

I prefer a STATIC IP number from your Internet Service Provider.  This allows you to configure various remote access devices.

CHANGE the default password on your Access Point / Router.  If you don’t, it’s very easy for someone else to get into the system and at the very least, make your network quit working for you, while they enjoy your internet service.

Limit the DHCP for a reasonable number of computers, you may only have three computers, maybe someone visiting with a computer, so set your DHCP up for 5 addresses or so, this way, if you are hacked, you won’t be overrun with users immediately and can make a quick recovery.

Microwaves, cordless phones, cell phones, anything with an antenna MIGHT interfere with the wireless network.  So, if your computer quits working every time you make pop corn, it’s not the pop corn, it’s the microwave.

It doesn’t matter what the box has written on it, if you are broadcasting it, someone somewhere can

hack into it if they really wanted to.  A wireless network is just today’s CB radio.

Safe Surfing

Just because you read it on the internet does not make it true.  Check snopes.com for a second opinion.

Turn on the “Prompt for Cookies” option.  In Internet Explorer it’s under Tools, Internet Options, Privacy tab, Advanced Button.  You want to BLOCK all cookies except for sites you know you will use daily, like banking, daily shopping sites, etc.

DON’T CLICK on an unexpected button just because it’s there.  Most windows have an “X” in the corner to close them with.

NOTHING IS FREE – weather icons, news streamers, toolbars, etc.  Generally they collect data on your browsing habits.

NO SMILIES or INCREDEMAIL – Generally, cute programs collect data on your browsing habits.

Just because you read it on the internet does not make it true.  Check snopes.com for a second opinion.

Generally, social networking sites have hackers prowling around waiting for someone to slip up.  Stay off them, just go to a bar or church where you can see who’s on the prowl and take appropriate actions.

e-bay is actually 90% good.  I’ve had no problems with e-bay purchases, however, when I’m dealing with a new vendor, my radar is on high alert.  I may end up paying a couple bucks more for the “same” item, but actually receiving the item is more important than the total cost.

Keep in mind, that a site that is cheesy, probably doesn’t have anything you want.  Real vendors, make their sites easy to use so you can get in and get out.

Treat unsolicited e-mails as you do junk mail in the mailbox.  Don’t read it, don’t forward it, it’s JUNK, don’t waste your time or clog up the internet with JUNK.  Chain letters don’t work, they may make you feel good, but if it’s legitimate, they would have spent a stamp on it.

Just because you read it on the internet does not make it true.  Check snopes.com for a second opinion.

When something looks a little different, like a Corporate logo, you may not be where you think you are.  www.owes.com looks very similar to www.lowes.com.  Also, www.whitehouse.com is not www.whitehouse.gov , one is a porn site, the other is the office of the president’s site (I know, depending on the president, it may be difficult to determine the difference). 

And finally, just because you read it on the internet does not make it true.  Check www.snopes.com  for a second opinion.

Computer Maintenance

KEEP THE PROGRAM CD’s THAT CAME WITH YOUR COMPUTER.  These CD’s are worth about $500.00.  Treat them like CASH.

Always make a backup of “My Documents” this is the default place where Windows puts your stuff.  Use a USB Memory Stick or an External USB hard drive to keep a copy of things you don’t want to loose.

When your computer gets slow, exit out of all of your programs and click START, PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES, SYSTEM TOOLS, DISK DEFRAGMENTOR, Start the DEFRAG and prepare to come back in an hour or so.  When the DEFRAG is finished, Shutdown and UNPLUG THE POWER TO EVERYTHING CLOSE TO YOUR COMPUTER (if it has a little light on it, make it go out).  Wait 5 minutes and plug everything back in and get your computer booted up. 

If things are still too slow, make sure you have a backup of your stuff you want to keep, get the System Restore or System Recovery CD out of the vault and do what it says.