Tips & Tricks Busy Professionals Can Use to Simplify Their Lives
Compliments of Ribary & Associates, LLC
www.tiaribary.com

I recently had an embarrassing experience. An e-mail was sent to me titled "Women As Explained By Engineers." Some of you may have seen it? While it was funny and applicable (my husband is an Engineer), it was sent out to all of you, as if it came from me. This prompted me to quickly call my web hosting provider.

It turns out that there were some changes made to the web server where my "Tip's List" is hosted. People that were on the list could suddenly mail to the list. I had prevented this in the past by making it password secure. However, my password was somehow deleted. We'll just call it a "server glitch."

We immediately fixed the problem. All email addresses remained, and still do remain, secure, and the problem should not arise again. Please do accept my apology for the mishap!

Security Tips and Reminders:

• If you have a web mail list, be sure you know when changes are being made to the server that might effect your list. Test the list to make sure things are working as they should.

• If you use Windows as your operating system, be sure to run "Windows updates" regularly. Or better yet, have them download automatically. You can download them by going to http://update.microsoft.com

• Microsoft also provides free anti-spyware software that works very well for my system. Go to the "Download" link on www.Microsoft.com

• Be sure that your system is protected from viruses and that you update your software on a regular basis. Again, automatic updates are best. I use Norton Antivirus www.norton.com

• According to my security guru, anyone using DSL or cable should have a router plugged into the device that the ISP provides you. It will require some button clicking and such, but will give you a more secure connection. Ask a computer professional about this.

• All passwords should be at least 8 characters long, and should include letters and numbers or symbols. Be sure to password protect your computer, your financial files, etc.

• For added security, you can purchase firewall and intrusion protection products such as Zone Alarm and Black Ice Defender. These products can be found at Fry's and other stores. Please remember, all computers are different, and you should be properly advised by a security and or computer professional prior to installing these.

• Back-up your computer! Ask yourself this question: "how much data am I willing to lose?" That is how often you should be performing back-ups. If you make important changes to your system every day, you'll need to back-up more often than someone using their computer 3 times a week for e-mail only. You can back-up to a CD, DVD or to an external hard drive. I suggest a minimum of one time per week.

Need a little inspiration for this last one? Several years ago, our hard drive crashed and on it was ALL of our financial and other important data. We hadn't performed a back up for at least 6 months. It cost us over $500 to get that data back. For the small cost of a CD or DVD burner or for an external drive, we could have saved several hundred dollars and hours of headaches. So please, BACK UP YOUR SYSTEMS! If you're not doing it because it's a pain, talk to a computer person about how to make it easier. It's worth it.
 

Resources:

Tom Shannon with Tshann Computers is an excellent computer support person. He can fix up your system in a jiffy. Call 503-236-9570

Candy Archer of Archer Strategic Alliance can help you with many computer security needs. Their number is 503-684-2860, www.helpprotectmycomputer.com You can also sign up for a free security newsletter at their site!

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