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Tech Tip

Web Use at Work

More and more companies are monitoring employee activity online, often using tools like Internet filters or keyloggers, which track every keystroke. Some businesses don't disclose this practice to employees, so play it safe and don't visit objectionable sites, download entertainment or violate company policies.

USB Drive Viruses

USB storage drives, also known as flash drives, are great for storing data on the go, but they can also carry computer viruses. Make sure your computer has an up-to-date antivirus program before installing a flash drive. If you need to download files from someone else's USB drive, make sure they have antivirus software, and save the files on your own virus-free flash drive.

Change Default Passwords

When setting up a wireless Internet connection, most network devices (e.g., routers) come with default administrative passwords. Be sure to change that password after you set up your network. Most default passwords can be found online, which leaves little security for your network.

Safe Medical Websites

When looking for health or medical advice online, consider the source: Many medical websites are scams. Trusted resources for online medical information often come from government health websites, which end in .gov, and medical school or university websites, which end in .edu.

Automatic Shutdown

Windows users: You can make your computer shut down at the same time every day. Log in as an administrator and go into the Control Panel's Administrative Tools section. Click on Task Scheduler, choose Create Basic Task under Actions and select the task trigger to shut down your computer. (Be sure to select Daily before picking a time.)

Child Internet Usage

Before letting your kids use the Internet, get them to sign an agreement to follow certain ground rules. This pledge should include whether or not they're allowed to go online without an adult present, parameters for the times of day they're allowed to use the Internet, and a promise to never give out personal information about themselves or your family to anyone they meet online.

Avatar Identity

For an extra level of Internet safety, use an avatar as your online icon, ID or profile picture. Posting a real photo with your online profile when you leave comments on message boards or join social networks may provide strangers with too much information about who you are and where you live.

Password Protect Your Mac

To better protect your data on a Mac, go to the Apple icon on the top left corner and select System Preferences. Click on the Security tab and then check the box that says "Require password." Under the heading "For all accounts," check the “Disable automatic login” box. Before you leave, padlock your changes.

Router With Firewall

If you are setting up a wireless network, invest in a wireless router that comes with a firewall to protect your data. Not all routers come with this extra security layer. The price of the router is usually higher if it contains a firewall, and even higher if it offers both a firewall and sophisticated firewall technology.

Automatic Shutdown

Windows platform users can program their computer to shut down at the same time each night by logging in as an administrator and going into the Control Panel's Administrative Tools section. Click on Task Scheduler, and under Actions, choose Create Basic Task. Select a name for the task, select the task trigger to shut down your computer and then select Daily before picking a time.

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