Tips

August 24, 2013

Kindness and Karma

I believe in Karma in the sense of the here and now. My belief has nothing to do with the afterlife, an area I choose not to discuss.

Every day I go out of my way to do at least one-act of random kindness to a total stranger. I always hold the door open for all people young or old, always smile at people in passing and most smile back. Many small things bring me pleasure like smiling or saying high to a small child, or an adult it doesn’t matter.

This morning was a great example. I normally go to Wall Mart to purchase things that I can get cheaper that the major chain grocery store that I can walk to. I usually go between 3 and 4 in the morning when they are not crowed and I don’t have to wait in the long lines at the register. I walked in the door and there was a teenage girl struggling to get a shopping basket free that was wedged into another one. I said mam the ones next to it don’t look like they are stuck why don’t you try one of them Her response was “ I am determined to get this damm thing unstuck”. I said well at least let me help you. I then braced myself for what I knew was going to happen. We got the thing unstuck but the pain level shot up in my back about 4 points. She said thank you sir and went about her way. I live with chronic back pain on a daily basis, don’t pity me for this, it just is. When I got home I had to take a pain pill for my back which has some harsh side affects but in the end it was well worth it because I helped her and it made me feel better about myself. I then struck up several one or two-minute conversions with the people who stalk the shelves. They have a very boring job and are usually more than willing to just talk about anything for a couple of minutes.

This is just a couple of examples that happened in one brief outing. I believe you get from society what you give so the next time you are out and about try being kind to a stranger you will be amazed at how good it makes you feel !

August 4, 2013

Computer Security Part 2

Once again, sorry Mac users these programs wont work on your computer. The reason you don’t need them or have security issues is only 5% of the computers sold world-wide use Mac. The hackers go where the money is and all the banks,credit cards, stock market and all government sites use windows.

Windows users: Hopefully you are at least using windows defender and keeping it up dated to protect your computer. Plus doing at least a weekly full scan on your computer. All of the information I get as well as the links below come from a site called CNET. It is constantly rated as the number one site for reliable computer information. All of the programs listed below are freeware and don’t cost a cent to use. The first two have advanced editions as well but you pay and they are not worth as long as you use a combination of two virus detection devices. One last thing before I discuss each one. If you choose one or both of the first two programs watch out when you install them. One or both of them will try to get you to install a tool bar or Google chrome. Just hit decline and it will continue.

Avast is rated higher than windows defender in its ability to block and find a virus on your computer. You can run this with windows defender, they both run in the background and Avast uses less ram than defender. Just click on the link below and it will take you to CNET to download this program.

Avast download:
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html

I choose to go what I believe is a better way. I use Avast and AVG. I ditched defender completely for many reasons. Both of these programs together use just a bit more ram than defender by itself. The main reason I use AVG as well is when you do a search on Bing, it may work on Google as well, don’t have a clue. Right beside the search results it shows green bars, meaning this is a tested site and one that is safe to use. Just a couple of days ago I was searching for something, I clicked on the link and Avast blocked it in bright red telling me this site contains malicious data. I backed out of the site and sure enough it had no green bars from AVG. If you choose to go the route I did the link for AVG is listed below.

AVG Download:
http://download.cnet.com/AVG-AntiVirus-Free-2013/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=main;pop

One last note on the two programs listed above. They both have scanning programs built-in as well. They are designed to pickup anything that slipped through their initial protection. Avast has a quick scan and a complete scan. I normally do the quick scan daily while I am on the web and the full scan once a week. AVG tells you when a scan is needed. If you feel comfortable you can fool with the settings but you don’t have to the default settings work quite well, if they pick up something they will give you options on how to deal with it. If you do don’t hesitate to ask me if you are unsure what to do.

One last program to talk about is Malwarebytes. This is a stand alone program, which means you have to launch it separately it is not designed to run in the background like the other two. If you choose to ignore all the other programs I have talked about please consider using this one. This thing has a snooper like a blood hound. It will pick up even low-level threats. Low level threats wont actually harm your computer but I still don’t want them on mine. This also has a quick scan and a full one. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to run the full scan depending on your processor speed. Don’t even mess with the quick scan, I do a full scan once a week with this one. I an almost guarantee you the first time you use this you will find bugs on your computer. Even people who use Norton Security should give this one a try at least once. The link is listed below.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=main;pop
The three programs listed above are the three top downloads on CNET all of the time. They are also a big part in my computer repair usb stick.

I know this is a lot of information to try to take in at once. If you have questions ask, if you come up with a bug, copy it, send it to me and I will tell you what to do with it if you are unsure. In return maybe some day one of you can teach me how to write. 🙂

In the next and final part I will discuss, cookies, the best way to fix a fragmented hard drive and backups.

August 2, 2013

Computer Security Part 1

I decided to do this post a few weeks ago because several people were starting to ask me questions about computers for the technical challenged person. Their words. It is no secret to people who have been following me for a while know I have a moderate memory loss. Yet I do read several sites daily about computers and tech stuff to stay informed. I have been a computer nerd since my first commodore 64. I have a part-time job-hobby of repairing computers for people I know, so they don’t have to take them in to a computer place and get ripped off. I only charge 50 bucks. Everything I am going post on this article and the next has to do with windows only. Mac users, you will have to do your own grunt work, all I know about Mac computers is you overpaid for your computer just get the name Mac on it. I going to pay for that comment. 🙂

Java has emerged as arguably the No. 1 Web threat – and you’d be wise to disable it.
You almost certainly use multiple Java-enabled devices every day without realizing it. Because Java is so embedded in all forms of computing, it has emerged as a ripe attack surface for cybercriminal.
No surprise, then, that cybercriminals have been intensively probing Java for security flaws. One way they take advantage is to use Java to force malicious software on your computing device in what’s called a “drive-by download,” says Corey Nachreiner, strategy director at WatchGuard.
Drive-by downloads unfold silently and invisibly. You click on a Web link or visit a website booby-trapped to steer you to an infection. The bad guys then steal your account log-ons, contacts and personal information. But they don’t stop there. “Once they control your computer, they can access pathways to information and other devices on any network you may be part of, ” Nachreiner says.
Java-based attacks have been implicated in data breaches at big media companies such as The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, tech giants such as Google, Twitter and Yahoo, and many big banks.
The Department of Homeland Security earlier this year advised Americans to disable Java, endorsing a consensus in the security community that Java’s risks now overshadow its benefits for most consumers and many businesses.
Source: USA Today.
I used this source because it explained the problem in layman’s language.

Unless you do online gaming on your computer there is no need for you to run java on your computer. I run into sites all the time,even on here that say you must use java to see this slide show. Not true windows can handle this task without java.
The best advice I will provably ever give you is to disable or remove java from your computer.
Here is how you uninstall Java on windows. If you just want to disable it wait until the next installment of this post. Not sure why you would want to but I will cover that next anyway.
Older versions of Java may appear in the program list as J2SE, Java 2, Java SE or Java Runtime Environment.

Windows 8 – Uninstall Programs
1. Right-click on the screen at bottom-left corner and choose the Control Panel from the pop-up menu.
2. When the Control Panel appears, choose Uninstall a Program from the Programs category.
3. Select the program to uninstall and then click its Uninstall button.
4. Click Yes to confirm the program uninstall.
Windows 7 and Vista – Uninstall Programs
1. Click Start
2. Select Control Panel
3. Select Programs
4. Click Programs and Features
5. Select the program you want to uninstall by clicking on it, and then click the Uninstall button.
You may need administrator privileges to remove programs.
Windows XP – Uninstall Programs
1. Click Start
2. Select Control Panel
3. Click the Add/Remove Programs control panel icon
4. The Add/Remove control panel displays a list of software on your system, including any Java software products that are on your computer. Select any that you want to uninstall by clicking on it, and then click the Remove button.

July 10, 2013

Ways To Save Some Money

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Source AARP Magazine

I use or have used all of these suggestions below. This is from a list of 99 tips.

Big bills

Convert money into $50 bills. You’ll think twice before spending them.

Free credit monitoring

You can now get free credit-monitoring services via CreditSesame.com. Other companies typically charge about $10 a month for credit monitoring.

Catch-up time?

If you are 50 or over, you can contribute an extra $5,500 to your 401(k) plan as a catch-up contribution in 2013.

Youthful drivers

For children under age 25 still living in your home, it’s typically cheaper to keep them on your automobile insurance policy. To be on the safe side, have your agent double-check.

Homeowners insurance

Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Make sure you have adequate coverage to rebuild your home in case disaster strikes. Be sure to get replacement coverage on your home and its contents

Free credit report

Don’t pay for your credit report. Request a free copy once a year from each of the three credit-reporting companies (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian) at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Find free stuff

Websites like Freebie-Depot.com, Mrfreestuff.com and Shop4Freebies.com offer samples of products and online coupons and rebates.

Find coupons

Apps from RetailMeNot and Coupon Cabin help you find deals from your favorite retailers.

Any special promotions?

Those are magic words when ordering catalog items over the phone. So be sure to ask. Many times there are special offers — including discounts or free shipping — that the operator isn’t allowed to mention unless the customer asks.

Free shipping

Some sites offer free shipping with a minimum purchase. During the year-end holiday season, keep an eye out for free shipping days to save on your holiday shopping.

Post-holiday bargains

Whether it’s Halloween costumes or Christmas decorations, many stores discount these items 50 percent or more after the holiday.

Make your own

Check the Internet for recipes with instructions for creating homemade laundry detergent. The most common ingredients are Borax and Fels-Naptha soap. A batch costs you pennies on the dollar per load.

Not just for dishes

Use about a teaspoon of liquid dish soap in your top-loading washing machine to clean your clothes. It’s cheaper than using laundry detergents — and has fewer chemicals.

Stain remover

Save money by not buying pricey, specialized carpet stain removers and instead create your own spot cleaning solution. Here’s how: Spray a mixture of two-thirds warm water and one-third ammonia on the stain. Put an old towel over the stain and run a hot iron on the steam setting over the towel. The heat lifts the stain from the carpet into the towel. Spot-test first.

Do yoga

It’s good for both your body and your mind. Look for free classes in September and October, and find a studio near you. Check yogamonth.org.

Free tests

Get basic health tests by attending free health fairs in your area. You can find one online by searching under “free health fairs.”

Take a seat

Volunteer to usher at local theaters. You’ll get the satisfaction of helping out while also getting to see performances — such as concerts, stage shows, lectures — for free. What’s more, think of the bragging rights that come from supporting your local arts.

Check it out

Instead of buying your next book, borrow it from your local library. It’s free, and you get to support a great community service.

Fuel up with apps

Find cheap gas nearby. Use GasBuddy and Gas Guru. Both are free apps for your smartphone.

Car window thrift?

Keep your windows closed when driving over 55 miles per hour on the highway. Open windows can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. In stop-and-go traffic, save gas by opening the windows and turning off the air conditioning.

Driver savings

You may save up to 10 percent on your auto insurance if you complete the AARP Driver Safety course. Ask your insurance agent — restrictions may apply. Details at 888-227-7669 toll-free, or find a course online.

Free tax prep

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, offers tax preparation and counseling at thousands of locations during the February-April 15 tax-filing season. Trained and certified volunteers help low- to middle-income filers, with special attention to those 60-plus. To find an AARP Tax-Aide site near you, check online or call toll-free 888-227-7669.

Discounts galore

The AARP Everyday Savings Center, powered by Next Jump, offers members discounts on purchases at retailers, restaurants, spas, movies, amusement parks and shows. Learn more by visiting everydaysavingscenter.com.

Travel deals

AARP members can save between 10 percent and 25 percent when booking hotel and car rentals at the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia online. They can even get an onboard cruise credit. Call 800-675-4318.

To see all 99 money saving tips go to: http://www.aarp.org/money/