There is a special category of software called password keepers with the help of which you can effectively organize your logins and passwords. So what is a password keeper and what advantages does it bring to you? The password keeper is a desktop application which can be installed on your local computer or directly to a USB flash drive. When installed to a USB flash drive, the password keeper becomes a portable application which you can carry with your wherever you go.
Once you have installed the passwords keeper to your computer or a USB flash key, you can create a password database where you can keep passwords and logins. This functionality can be very useful for anyone who has so many different logins and passwords that it’s getting really hard for them to remember each and every password they type. With the password manager, you don’t have to remember your logins and passwords, nor do you have to type them when you need to login to your accounts.
The automatic form filling is another useful functionality of a passwords keeper. To register an online account, you always have to fill in a registration form. Sometimes these forms can be so large that you actually give up the whole idea to register an account. The password keeper offers a perfect solution to that problem. You only need to fill in the registration information once and save it to a database. The next time you need to fill in and submit a similar web registration form, the password keeper will do the job for you!
Moreover, the password keeper doesn’t just keep passwords; it also provides the passwords’ security with such useful features as secure password storage database and the ‘no-type’ functionality. The database where your passwords are stored is itself password protected so no third party will ever have a chance to look at your passwords. The database is also equipped with the auto-lock functionality, so if you forget to close the database, it will be closed automatically after a specified period of time.
The ‘no-type’ functionality prevents keylogger and spying software from reading your passwords, as you don’t have to type them. This allows you to avoid accidents of stolen passwords and compromised passwords. The strong password generator is another useful feature of the passwords keeper. It allows you to create the ‘hard-to-crack’ passwords using the highest password creation standards. All in all, the password keeper allows you to increase speed and improve the quality of your Internet browsing with such features as secure password storage database, automatic form filling, strong password generator, and running from a USB flash key.
Wednesday 30 July 2008
Sunday 13 July 2008
Computer Backup – How Should Home Users Backup Their Data?
Author: Bender Smith
This is a question that MOST home computer users (Mac or PC) HAVE NOT asked themselves.
How do I backup my computer & What data do I need to backup?
In a business setting there are unlimited options that IT professionals have access to in order to backup up corporate data. Home users have many of those same options, but are completely unnecessary due to the amount of data that home users will be backing up.
When you backup a computer there are many different ways to do it and many files & folders that can be backed up. For this article we are only going to focus on the actually data files (word, excel, mp3’s, jpegs, etc.), and NOT everything else, such as the applications folder, the program files folder etc.
For a home user there is no need to backup everything on your entire hard drive. That will just take up too much time & get too expensive.
I suggest saving all of you data files to 1 spot, if you are a Microsoft Windows user, most software packages default saving your data to the My Documents folder. If you are a Mac user it defaults to only God knows where! Actually it usually defaults to the desktop).
Make a folder & name it something meaningful.
Call it something you will remember, like “Computer Backup” or “My Backup Files” or “Hey Stupid, Back Me Up!”
Next make sure you save all your important files to that folder. I repeat, put any data file in that folder that you work on and wish to save. You can default many of your files to save in that folder so you do not have to worry about clicking & dragging to the folder. If you are truly interested in getting FREE instructions on how to do that, visit one of my 2 sites listed in my bio and contact me through them. I will get back to you ASAP.
Once you have saved all your important files in that one folder, we have to decide how to physically move (copy) that folder off your existing computer hard drive. I have outlined 3 different ways this can be done, in no particular order of importance.
Your first option would be to purchase a USB Key (thumb drive etc, whatever you want to call it). These devices are an extremely cheap form of backup device. Purchase one at your local Best Buy, CompUSA, Radio Shack or online at Amazon. Bring it home, plug it in to your PC (or if you have a Mac, plug it in and pray the Mac recognizes it). The USB Key will be assigned a letter (ie E: ) in My Computer (Windows) or will show up as a mounted drive on the Mac. Open the USB Key up and copy and paste your “Computer Backup” folder to the drive. Once it is done copying, remove it from the computer and you have a safe data backup off of your existing computer hard drive.
Another computer backup idea would be to purchase an external hard drive (fire wire or USB cable) and plug that into your computer. You will need to treat the external hard drive just like the USB Key solution. The only difference is that there is more space available on the external hard drive than the USB Key. You can also purchase an internal hard drive and have it installed or if you are just purchasing a new computer, you can add one for a small amount of money. This will be treated just like your original hard drive, it will have a letter assigned to it (ie C or D) or it will be mounted to your desktop (Macs). The only problem is if your computer crashes you will need to contact an IT Professional or someone who can access that hard drive & reconstruct your OS.
The third idea for a computer backup solution would be to simply burn the data to a CD or DVD. This solution may take a little longer, depending on how much data you are backing up at once. It may also turn out to be the most expensive, of course depending on how many times you backup per month, week, etc.
There are many ways to perform a backup of your data on your home computer. I have outlined the 3 easiest & least expensive solutions for you to try.
You would be surprised how many people have actually never thought of backing up their data on their home computer. While working in the private business sector, supporting residential & commercial clients, I encountered 2 -3 customers per week who lost important files due to not having a proper computer backup plan in place.
Take action now! Save yourself heartache & frustration. Follow one of these three solutions TODAY! If you have more questions please visit one of my sites below or shoot me an email.
Good Luck.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bender_Smith
This is a question that MOST home computer users (Mac or PC) HAVE NOT asked themselves.
How do I backup my computer & What data do I need to backup?
In a business setting there are unlimited options that IT professionals have access to in order to backup up corporate data. Home users have many of those same options, but are completely unnecessary due to the amount of data that home users will be backing up.
When you backup a computer there are many different ways to do it and many files & folders that can be backed up. For this article we are only going to focus on the actually data files (word, excel, mp3’s, jpegs, etc.), and NOT everything else, such as the applications folder, the program files folder etc.
For a home user there is no need to backup everything on your entire hard drive. That will just take up too much time & get too expensive.
I suggest saving all of you data files to 1 spot, if you are a Microsoft Windows user, most software packages default saving your data to the My Documents folder. If you are a Mac user it defaults to only God knows where! Actually it usually defaults to the desktop).
Make a folder & name it something meaningful.
Call it something you will remember, like “Computer Backup” or “My Backup Files” or “Hey Stupid, Back Me Up!”
Next make sure you save all your important files to that folder. I repeat, put any data file in that folder that you work on and wish to save. You can default many of your files to save in that folder so you do not have to worry about clicking & dragging to the folder. If you are truly interested in getting FREE instructions on how to do that, visit one of my 2 sites listed in my bio and contact me through them. I will get back to you ASAP.
Once you have saved all your important files in that one folder, we have to decide how to physically move (copy) that folder off your existing computer hard drive. I have outlined 3 different ways this can be done, in no particular order of importance.
Your first option would be to purchase a USB Key (thumb drive etc, whatever you want to call it). These devices are an extremely cheap form of backup device. Purchase one at your local Best Buy, CompUSA, Radio Shack or online at Amazon. Bring it home, plug it in to your PC (or if you have a Mac, plug it in and pray the Mac recognizes it). The USB Key will be assigned a letter (ie E: ) in My Computer (Windows) or will show up as a mounted drive on the Mac. Open the USB Key up and copy and paste your “Computer Backup” folder to the drive. Once it is done copying, remove it from the computer and you have a safe data backup off of your existing computer hard drive.
Another computer backup idea would be to purchase an external hard drive (fire wire or USB cable) and plug that into your computer. You will need to treat the external hard drive just like the USB Key solution. The only difference is that there is more space available on the external hard drive than the USB Key. You can also purchase an internal hard drive and have it installed or if you are just purchasing a new computer, you can add one for a small amount of money. This will be treated just like your original hard drive, it will have a letter assigned to it (ie C or D) or it will be mounted to your desktop (Macs). The only problem is if your computer crashes you will need to contact an IT Professional or someone who can access that hard drive & reconstruct your OS.
The third idea for a computer backup solution would be to simply burn the data to a CD or DVD. This solution may take a little longer, depending on how much data you are backing up at once. It may also turn out to be the most expensive, of course depending on how many times you backup per month, week, etc.
There are many ways to perform a backup of your data on your home computer. I have outlined the 3 easiest & least expensive solutions for you to try.
You would be surprised how many people have actually never thought of backing up their data on their home computer. While working in the private business sector, supporting residential & commercial clients, I encountered 2 -3 customers per week who lost important files due to not having a proper computer backup plan in place.
Take action now! Save yourself heartache & frustration. Follow one of these three solutions TODAY! If you have more questions please visit one of my sites below or shoot me an email.
Good Luck.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bender_Smith
Thursday 3 July 2008
Online Backups - Storing your Files Remotely
Author: Aaron Walker
There is one major problem with most computer backup procedures. Usually after a backup is made, all of the information and data stays in the same place as it always was. However, there are many disasters that could befall your data and computer that make it worthwhile to look into online backups as a precautionary measure. Online data backups will allow you to save a copy of your file or files in a hard drive that cannot be destroyed at the same time as your computer. This way, even if you experience theft or a natural disaster such as a fire or flood you will still have your data.
Is it safe?
Many people are a little bit unsure of putting their data online. After all, if the information can be accessed by them from any computer, doesn't that mean that the data can be accessed by everybody? Yes and no. While it is theoretically possible for a different person to get into your data as it is stored through an online data backup, the chances of this actually happening are slim to none as long as you're using a reputable service.
You also have the option of doing something on your end to make sure that the data stays secure. If you can get your hands on any backup software that can encrypt the data, then you should do this. Encrypted data cannot be stolen without considerable effort. Just make sure that you remember what program you used to encrypt it in the first place.
Are online backups easy to use?
Yes! Online data backup services generally only require that you upload the files that you want saved. Then, the files are saved for you, and that's it! As you can imagine, online data backup services are becoming more and more widespread. You should also be able to access your online data backup from anywhere in the world. While I do not recommend using this as your only form of data backup I highly recommend using an online data back solution as part of a holistic approach to data security.
How fast are they?
This is going to depend by and large on the type of internet connnection that you have. If you are still going online with a dialup connection, then you should not look into this type of data backup. It will just take far too long to get your backup done, and during that time, you could easily have just put all the files onto DVDs and give them to a friend for safekeeping. If you have a high speed internet connection – either cable or DSL, then you're in luck and this will not be a problem at all. Just log in, get an account, and upload to your heart's content.
How much space will you have?
This is going to depend on the backup service that you choose in the end. However, most of the spaces available range between about 100MB and several GB of space with most of them offering at least 1GB of storage space to get started with.
Online data backups are going to become an absolute necessity for the smart computer owner. I wouldn't live without one and use mine every single day at the very least.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/information-technology-articles/online-backups-storing-your-files-remotely-128187.html
There is one major problem with most computer backup procedures. Usually after a backup is made, all of the information and data stays in the same place as it always was. However, there are many disasters that could befall your data and computer that make it worthwhile to look into online backups as a precautionary measure. Online data backups will allow you to save a copy of your file or files in a hard drive that cannot be destroyed at the same time as your computer. This way, even if you experience theft or a natural disaster such as a fire or flood you will still have your data.
Is it safe?
Many people are a little bit unsure of putting their data online. After all, if the information can be accessed by them from any computer, doesn't that mean that the data can be accessed by everybody? Yes and no. While it is theoretically possible for a different person to get into your data as it is stored through an online data backup, the chances of this actually happening are slim to none as long as you're using a reputable service.
You also have the option of doing something on your end to make sure that the data stays secure. If you can get your hands on any backup software that can encrypt the data, then you should do this. Encrypted data cannot be stolen without considerable effort. Just make sure that you remember what program you used to encrypt it in the first place.
Are online backups easy to use?
Yes! Online data backup services generally only require that you upload the files that you want saved. Then, the files are saved for you, and that's it! As you can imagine, online data backup services are becoming more and more widespread. You should also be able to access your online data backup from anywhere in the world. While I do not recommend using this as your only form of data backup I highly recommend using an online data back solution as part of a holistic approach to data security.
How fast are they?
This is going to depend by and large on the type of internet connnection that you have. If you are still going online with a dialup connection, then you should not look into this type of data backup. It will just take far too long to get your backup done, and during that time, you could easily have just put all the files onto DVDs and give them to a friend for safekeeping. If you have a high speed internet connection – either cable or DSL, then you're in luck and this will not be a problem at all. Just log in, get an account, and upload to your heart's content.
How much space will you have?
This is going to depend on the backup service that you choose in the end. However, most of the spaces available range between about 100MB and several GB of space with most of them offering at least 1GB of storage space to get started with.
Online data backups are going to become an absolute necessity for the smart computer owner. I wouldn't live without one and use mine every single day at the very least.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/information-technology-articles/online-backups-storing-your-files-remotely-128187.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)