As the author of Why That Fancy Password Isn’t Nearly as Safe as You Thought puts it, that password you created is super complicated (which is good) but “You know who else loves it? Computers!”  A strong password is necessary, but are the rules we have lived by really helping us to create a VERY strong password?  Also, how difficult have we made it on ourselves to remember that password.  Personally, I have to hit the forgot password link on at least one website a week now, simply because I tricked myself, and I am getting really tired of it.

Password Strength from xkcd.com

RETHINKING THE STRONG PASSWORD

The cartoon from xkcd.com (shown above) is really worth far more than a thousand words or even a thousand dollars.  The artist shows a password much like any of the ones I use on a daily basis and quickly dispels the myth that it is difficult for a computer to guess.  Instead, he offers up an alternative solution.

Instead of creating a highly complex word, made up of special characters, numbers and letters, simply pick four random words and smash them together to create a new, hard to guess, super-password.

I’m honestly a bit dumbfounded that the answer is so simple.  Four random, common words can create a password that would take a computer 550 years to break!

WAIT JUST ONE MINUTE

The theory in the new, super-password is strong, but there is one flaw that I will not be able to get around right away and will still leave me looking for that forgot password link at least a couple times a month.  Every site seems to require a different set of standards for passwords:

• Your password must contain at least 1 number
• Your password must contain at least one capital letter
• Your password must contain one special character

The new super-password theory just doesn’t account for these rules and, until I can figure out a way to securely store my passwords in a way that no one can ever get to,  I’ll still be searching for a better method of password creation.  In the mean time, I’m off to pick four random, common words that I can easily remember!

MORE PASSWORD ARTICLES

• Should You Change Your Password? YES, Like Now! (JumpstartMyPC.com)
• Protect Yourself – Strong Password Tips and Tricks (JumpstartMyPC.com)
• The Problem With Passwords (Defence Intelligence)

It’s a new year and you need to make some changes.

You’ve started back at the gym, started eating like a rabbit and quit ________________ (fill in the blank as you see fit), but you haven’t made any changes to your computer habits.  The folks at Defence Intelligence have put together a simple set of resolutions that you can begin using today.

There isn’t really much need for explanation here – just read, rinse and repeat!

Click for Larger Version

Scared? Hopefully a little bit.  In addition to accessing the sites that you have created accounts on, criminals can use that personal information to open bank accounts and get credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driver’s licenses in your name.  There are some steps you can take to  check on your information and limit any potential issues, but you must act quickly, like now!

HAS YOUR INFORMATION BEEN EXPOSED?

One website was recently introduced to help you determine if your information has been jeopardized.  In short, shouldichangemypassword.com provides you with a simple interface to determine if your personal info has been leaked as part of one of these breaches.  The site creator has compiled a database of all of the compromised information and you can enter your email address to check it against the records stored (over 1 million records as of 6-25-2011).  It only takes a couple of seconds and your email address is ALL you have to enter, so you don’t have to worry about this being some sort of scam or ploy to get more of your personal data.

Visit shouldichangemypassword.com, Like Now!

Regardless of the results, you have some additional work to do.  If your information has been compromised your to-do list just got a lot longer.  Depending on the information that was taken you may need to do anything from simply change that password to report identity theft.  The main thing is that you are now aware of any issues and you can begin to repair any damage caused and protect yourself from future problems.  If you are fortunate enough to receive a “safe” result, don’t stop there.  This site does not contain all of the stolen personal information on the web.  You might still be at risk!

EVERYONE NEEDS TO CHANGE THEIR PASSWORD, LIKE NOW!

There is not a way to fully protect ourselves and still enjoy all that the web has to offer.   There are however some simple steps that you can follow to help protect yourself.

1) Change your passwords frequently – It may be a real pain, but if you change your passwords every 60 days you make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your personal information.  If someone has hacked a high profile business and retrieved some of your info, they will have a hard time using it if they are met with a “user name and password do not match…” error on some of your favorite sites.

2) Do NOT use the same password on every website – This one is extremely difficult to do, but well worth the effort.  Let’s just say that your PSN (Playstation Network) password was the same as your bank password.  Once a hacker located your email and password from Sony, they wouldn’t have to try too many bank websites before they gained access to your finances.

3) Create STRONG passwords - This is the easiest change to make, yet most people avoid doing it because they think it is too confusing, difficult, hard to remember, etc.  Stop making excuses and start making it difficult for others to guess your log-in information.  I have written several articles on strong passwords before, including:

• Online Security Begins or Ends With Your Choice of Password
• Protect Yourself – Strong Password Tips and Tricks

Make the changes to your online accounts now and breathe easier the next time you hear about a security breach or hack.  Also, be sure to pass this information along to friends and relatives.  They will thank you later.

Why is My Computer Running Slow

There are a number of factors that cause a computer to load or respond slowly.  Most of the issues stem from a build up of files and a basic organization problem within Windows.  The good news is that you don’t have to understand the problems fully to fix it.  However, if you want to know more about any of the tasks listed under Clean Up Utilities, simply click on the article link provided to read a more thorough explanation.

Clean Up Utilities

There are 5 main areas that you will need to focus on each time you perform maintenance on your PC.  Simply work your way down the list, install and use each program and reboot.  You’ll see an immediate boost in performance and wonder why you ever put up with a slow computer.  Please note that this is not a one-time operation.  Regular maintenance of your PC (once every few months), is necessary to keep it running smoothly.

All of the clean up utilities you will need to fix a slow-running computer are posted and available for you on the JumpstartMyPC.com Tools page.  We add new items to this area from time-to-time and keep all of the links updated with the most recent versions of each application.  Simply locate an application that you would like to use and click on the Software link out to the right. You’ll be directed to an external site and the download will begin.

1) Defragmentation

Definition – A defrag of your hard drive makes it easier on your PC to locate files and extends the life of your hard drive.
Program:  Auslogics Disk Defrag (available on the tools page)
Article: Defragmentation: A Simple Task for a Huge Result

2) Windows Update

Definition – Microsoft releases regular updates for your operating system.  There might be a security or bug fix waiting for you. Reported issues from other PC users help Microsoft improve Windows and these improvements are part of the frequent updates that pop up in your task bar.
Program: Windows (already installed on your system)
Article: Warning Lights on Your PC Shouldn’t be Ignored

3) Malware and Spyware

Definition – Malware, Spyware and other unwanted malicious programs are installed without your knowledge.
Program: Spybot Search and Destroy (available on the tools page)
Article: Read this Overview from the makers of Spybot Search and Destroy

4) Old, Unnecessary Files

Definition – As you surf the internet, your browser collects files in a temporary folder.   These files are not deleted until you tell your computer to do so. On almost any computer that is running slow, thousands of old, unnecessary files can be found and eliminated, immediately improving PC performance.
Program: CCleaner (available on the tools page)
Article: Read How to Use CCleaner from the Download Blog.

5) Registry Cleaning

Definition – The registry stores configuration settings and options for Windows.  Unfortunately, it never cleans out old files.  If you have ever removed programs or simply updated the programs you use regularly, chances are your PC has some old registry entries that are causing Windows some confusion.
Program: Abexo Registry Cleaner (available on the tools page) NOT FOR WINDOWS 7 USERS
Article: Your Registry is Probably in Need of a Cleaning

We would love to hear back from users on how helpful this was.  Please feel free to leave a comment below and tell us about your experience with fixing your own slow computer.  If the steps above helped you, be sure to use the sharing tools below to pass the information on to friends and family and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates on getting the most our of your PC.

My Computer is Running Slow – Help Me Fix It is brought to you 100% FREE from JumpstartMyPC.com.

iPads. iPods. Smart phones. Laptops.  Desktops.  You name it.  There are hundreds, maybe thousands of expensive gadgets on the lists of “must have” Christmas gifts this year.  If you, or a loved one, receive one of these gifts there are steps that you MUST take to protect your new gift from the inevitable.  We’ve got you covered.

Physical Protection

First things first.  If you want your new gadget looking like new for more than a couple of days, you’ll need to take it out of the package and move it straight into a cover, sleeve, or case of some kind.  A protective case will keep your shiny new gadget from getting scratched or cracked.  The problem is, retail stores and mall carts make all of their money by jacking up the price on these simple little necessities.  Here are some ways to protect your device and save money.

1) ebay – The #1 auction site on the planet is the ultimate thrift store for cell phone and gadget accessories.  You get more selection and pay a fraction of the price for the exact same covers, shells and screen protectors.

SkinIt.com - Custom Skins

2) skinit.com – Give your gadget a personalized touch with a protective skin.  These stickers do a great job of protecting your device from scratches and they look cool.  Just make sure you add on a bumper (rubber band around the outside) or use a sleeve of some sort to prevent damage from drops and falls.

Security

Here is something you have probably never heard.  You MUST lock down your device.  If your new gadget is stolen or “borrowed” your personal information is up for grabs.  Think about it, you check your bank balance, shop online and send/receive private messages on these handy-dandy little tools and that all becomes accessible if your device isn’t protected.

Lock Your Device!

1) Passcode Locks – Check your settings on your device.  There is a way to lock it down so a password or pattern must be entered to use the device.  In iOS devices (iPods, iPads, iPhones) this is a simple 4-digit code that must be entered.  It might slow you down a bit, but you’ll thank me if your gadget is ever stolen.

2) Location Apps – iPhones (all iOS devices for that matter), Android devices and computers have downloadable applications/programs that can be used to locate or remotely wipe your phone in the event that you can’t find it. Find My iPhone, Device Locator and LoJack are just a few that you can find through your app store of choice.

Don’t Just Take Our Word – update added 6-01-2011

A recent post from The Lookout Blog (a mobile security company in San Francisco) supports our thoughts above via a simple infographic.  Jump on over (by clicking on the image below) to see how people are using their smartphones and read the 8 Simple Privacy Tips to Put Your Mind at Ease.

INFOGRAPHIC - Is Anything Private on Your Phone Anymore?

Warranties

Sure, your new gadget probably came with a warranty, but have you filled out the paperwork and mailed it in?  Can you locate the information when you need it?  When does it expire?  Does it cover drops, spills and scratches?  Here are a few tools to help with all of these issues.

1) WarrantyElephant.com – Store your warrant information online and they will send you reminders as you get closer to the expiration date.  You can even upload the warranty itself and a copy of your invoice/receipt so you don’t have to hunt for it when the time comes.

2) SquareTrade.com – Manufacturer’s warranties are very limited.  Department/retail stores offer additional warranties, but they are expensive.  Square Trade offers warranties on your gadgets and it doesn’t matter if you bought it at Best Buy, on eBay or received it as a gift.  Their service received the highest ratings from every review site and their warranties are often available at half the price of other companies.  Check out their site and/or read the JumpstartMyPC article to see what they protect.  This is one amazing service.

So there you have it.  Everything you need to protect your gift this Christmas season.  The information is FREE and we hope you find it helpful.  All we ask is that you pass this on to friends and loved ones so that they can benefit as well.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Like any other day, I needed to search something and I went straight to Google.com. I typed in my keywords and started skimming through the list of search results when I accidentally clicked on the screen. Suddenly, there were images of web pages appearing next to the results.   What had I done?  As it turns out, that one click activated the newly released Google Instant Previews.

What are Instant Previews

According to the official Google blog “Instant Previews provides a graphic overview of a search result and highlights the most relevant sections, making finding the right page as quick and easy as flipping through a magazine.”  These visual sneak-peeks in your search results will help you quickly compare results, pinpoint relevant content and interact with the results page.

To find out more about the new Instant Previews feature, I suggest that you visit the launch site and take the time to view the video they have posted.  It’s only 45 seconds long and gives you a great step-by-step on how to use the new tool.

Launch Site: http://www.google.com/landing/instantpreviews/

How do I Start Using Instant Previews

This new feature is available to everyone now and is super-simple to use.  Simply “Click once on the magnifying glass in the search result to instantly see a preview of the web page.  After activating Instant Previews with that one click, you can hover over any other search result to see a preview of the web page.”

The JumpstartMyPC blog - as seen on Google Instant Previews

Did I mention that I Love Google.  I don’t know… maybe it’s just me.

With the highest sales tax in the U.S. hovering at about 10.75% (California), you have to ask yourself if the savings are worth the effort.  Crowded stores, long-lines, uncooperative kids and driving all over town might save you that 10%, but what if you could save more from the comfort of your own home or office?  I think it is possible to save on your back-to-school shopping and, if you start today, you can still have your student(s) stocked up and ready to head off to their first day.

Start With Amazon.com

No other online business makes shopping as easy as Amazon.com.  Take that required list of school supplies provided by your school district and head over to the Back-to-School Savings area.   Items on Amazon.com are typically less-expensive than their big-box store counterparts and you don’t pay tax, ever (at least in Texas).  Become a member of Amazon Prime (FREE trials available, $79 a year) and you can take advantage of unlimited fast shipping, including FREE Two-Day shipping and One-day shipping for $3.99 per item on all eligible purchases.

I myself have been an Amazon Prime member for the last year and I will never go without it again.

Shop Competitvely

I’m not saying you need to put on a helmet and pads, but you do need to flex your tech skills to get the best prices on the more expensive items on your child’s list.  Whether your college freshman needs a new laptop or your middle-schooler needs a backpack, you can use online or smartphone shopping tools to compare prices from other retailers before making your decision to purchase.

For those of you with smartphones (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry) there are numerous barcode scanning apps that you can download.  ShopSavvy (my favorite Android tool) is just one of these apps, which allows you to scan a barcode and get instant comparison results from over 20,000 retailers and 200,000 products.  In many cases, the online price of an item can be 20%, 30% or more off of retail.

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons!

No matter where you end up shopping, don’t forget the coupons.  “But why would a blog about computers and tech write about something as traditional as coupons?” you might ask.  Coupons have evolved as much as shopping over the last few years.  Not only can you find coupon codes for just about any website (thanks to RetailMeNot.com), retailers like Target and JCPenney are distributing digital coupons that cam be redeemed right from the screen of your smartphone.

For Next Year

Unfortunately, it’s too late to take advantage of this great service I found while doing my research.  Next year, stay ahead of the game and order your supplies from a company like School-Pak, Inc.  They have been preparing and shipping packaged school supplies since 1991.  You email them your list and they send you a quote for all the items and delivery.

If you have school shopping left to do, just open a new tab in your browser and get started now.  You could be done with it all before you leave the office today.  If you know someone else with school-aged children, forward this article on.  They’ll thank you later.

The freedom to surf on-the-go is still fairly new and so are the challenges associated with doing so.  One problem that crops up occasionally is finding a site that you have already visited.  Maybe you were out gymnastics practice with the kids, surfing the web with your CLEAR USB modem, or sitting in a movie theater playing on your iPhone (before the show started of course),  when you went to Google and searched for something that caught your eye.  Three days later, you realize that you want to revisit that site, but you can’t remember the URL or enough information to locate it again via a Google search.  You also find yourself lost in the “where was I and which device was I using when I looked at….” struggle.

Mobile

Thanks to some incredibly smart minds at Google, this battle can come to an end.  The new Search History link  (announced via the Google Mobile blog) “helps you quickly get back to sites you’ve been to and see items you have starred from your Android, iPhone, or desktop searches.”  Using this feature could not be easier.  Simply log into Google on your mobile device and the new History link will be there.  The one prerequisite is that you must have enabled “Search History” from the Settings area.

Google Mobile Search History

The History link will take you to a page that details the sites you have visited as well as Starred Items.   Starred Items are web sites or pages that you have specifically chosen as “your favorites” while surfing at home or on-the-go.  If you see a site that you simply must research later, tag it by clicking on the star icon (in Google search) and it will be waiting for you the next time you visit your history page.

Note: The Google mobile experience is available on the iPhone and for Android users.  However, if you are one of the daring few that have switched to Opera on your Android device (61 million people and counting), you may see limited functionality.  I’m sure this will be taken care of in an update, but for now you’ll have to use the default browser to take full advantage of the History link.

From Your Computer

The new History link on your mobile device is not the only area you can use to view your search history.   It simply “completes the circle” for your browsing experience.  The idea of capturing your search history has been around for some time in the PC world and Google has another set of tools for those who want to use the Search History feature at their PC, laptop or other non-mobile device.

Search History is Available for Non-Mobile Devices As Well

Web History is available to everyone and you don’t need a mobile device to benefit from this wonderful tool.  Even if you only surf the web from your home computer, you’ll find the History page helpful and easy to use.  Your past searches and followed links are presented by day and time.  In addition to what you would expect to find, Web History provides some additional functionality:

• Manage your history and delete if necessary
• Get search results relevant to you (based on your history)
• See trends in your surfing habits

To view or enable your Google search history on a PC, simply visit http://www.google.com/psearch

I recently went back to work, this time for a very large company with an IT staff dedicated to keeping things on total lock-down so we (the employees) can’t waste time or share corporate secrets via the internet or installed programs.  What this meant for me was a return to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer as my one and only browser choice.  My first thought was “how bad could it be?”

Fast forward 6 working days and find me strongly considering the purchase of an iPad, just to use at work for surfing the internet and keeping up with my Facebook and Twitter updates and follows.  Just as I was about to justify the purchase cost to my significant other, we discovered something miraculous…. we could install Firefox!!!  Whether it was allowed via an error on IT’s part or simply the granting of my third wish, I couldn’t be happier.  Why, because now I was in control.

As soon as Firefox was finished installing, I jumped to the Mozilla Add-Ons web site.  From there, I can choose from thousands of add-ons, which let you add new features and change the way your browser or application works.  Think of them as little programs that run from within your browser and not your operating system.  Add-ons start when you open Firefox and can do anything from change the color of your navigation buttons to notify you when your friends are on their XBOX.  If there is a special need for anything internet related (in some cases even that doesn’t matter) add-ons are the resource you need.

The Yoono Sidebar

Yoono

Once within the add-ons web site, I stumbled around a bit until I found Yoono!  What a discovery that was.  Yoono allows you to get all your updates, update your status and share across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube & more – all at once! As it turns out, that is just the tip of the iceberg.  Look at this list of features:

• Update your status across all your social networks at once!
• Chat while surfing the web via AIM, Google Talk, etc., right there in the browser!
• Discover “cool stuff” while surfing, all related to what you are currently viewing.
• Easily share links, images and video with all your social networks.
• Drag and drop links, images and video into your IM conversations.

The best part is, this is all done from within the browser, so if you can install Firefox, you can get Yoono.

Don’t Stop There

Yoono is a wonderful tool, but one of only thousands of add-ons available from Mozilla.  Visit the add-on web site now and see what is possible in Firefox.  Also, if you are interested in getting regular updates on new add-ons and updates, follow Mozilla (also known as mozamo or AMO) via one of these methods:

Add-ons Blog

Add-ons Newsletter

mozamo on Twitter

Related Articles

We’ve written about Add-Ons before.  Want to know more?  Check out these articles:

Take Back Your Browser with JumpstartMyFirefox

Firefox Add-on BarTap – How Did I Live Without It?

In today’s article, we’ve posted links to the tools you need and a simple “5-Point Maintenance Plan” that you can follow to keep your PC running like new (or better). The average user can perform these tasks in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size (hard drive) and speed (RAM and processor) of the computer.

What You Will Need To Get Started – Tools

All of the tools you will need for this routine maintenance are posted and available for you on the JumpstartMyPC.com Tools page. We add new items to this area from time-to-time and keep all of the links updated with the most recent versions of each application. Simply locate an application that you would like to use and click on the Software link out to the right. You’ll be directed to an external site and the download will begin.

JumpstartMyPC.com Tools Page

5-Point Maintenance Plan

There are 5 main areas that you will need to focus on each time you perform maintenance on your PC.

• Defrag – A defrag of your hard drive makes it easier on your PC to locate files and extends the life of your hard drive.
  Program: Auslogics Disk Defrag (available on the tools page)
  Article: Defragmentation: A Simple Task for a Huge Result

• Update – Microsoft releases regular updates for your operating system. There might be a security or bug fix waiting for you.
  Program: Windows (already installed on your system)
  Article: Warning Lights on Your PC Shouldn’t be Ignored

• Scan – Malware, Spyware and other unwanted malicious programs are installed without your knowledge.
  Program: Spybot Search and Destroy (tools page)

• Clean – As you surf the internet, your browser collects files in a temporary folder. These files are not deleted until you tell your computer to do so.
  Program: CCleaner (tools page)

• Registry Cleaning – The registry stores configuration settings and options for Windows. Unfortunately, it never cleans out old files.
  Program: Abexo Registry Cleaner (tools page) NOT FOR WINDOWS 7 USERS
  Article: Your Registry is Probably in Need of a Cleaning

If you have any questions, concerns or programs you would like to share with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email, Facebook or Twitter.