Physically Protect Your Computer

Computer Case Being Opened

Step1

Try to keep your computer off the floor and by your monitor if space allows. Do not more or jar your computer when it's turned on.

Before you move the computer case even a foot or so, power it down. Don't put the computer under your desk where it can get kicked and bumped. Although modern hard drives are sealed and much less resistant to vibration than earlier models, it's still possible to crash a dirive by banging into it while it's reading or writing data.

Step2

Don't smoke near your computer or this could be you! Don't smoke around your computer.

Tar from cigarettes can accumulate on fans, causing them to jam and the system to overheat. For older hard drives that are not adequately sealed, smoke particles can get inside and crash a drive.

Step3

Don't leave the PC turned off for weeks or months at a time. The boot record at the beginning of the hard drive can become corrupted. This will cause your computer to fail during booting. It is just like leaving old cars sit for a long period. Inactivity on your computer can do the same thing.

Step4

Don't block air vents on the front and rear of the computer case or on the monitor.

Proper air circulation is essential to keeping a system cool. Also, for optimum air flow, put covers on expansion slot openings on the rear of the case and put faceplates over empty bays on the front of the case.

Step5

The keyboard is your main input device. Guard and protect it with your life. Use keyboard covers for dirty environments.

You can purchase plastic keyboard covers to protect the keyboard in a dirty or extremely dusty environment.

Step6

Avoid extremely humid areas for computer operation.

High humidity can be extremely harmful to hard drives. Moisture gets into the hard drive even if it is adequately sealed.

Step7

Protect your private data.

If your data is really private, keep it under lock and key. You can use all kinds of security methods to encrypt, password protect, and hide data, but, if it is really that important, one obvious thing you can do is store the data on a removable storage device such as a flash drive and, when you're not using the data, put the flash drive in a fire-proof safe. And, of course, keep two copies. Sounds simple, but it works.

Step8

Protect your CDs, DVDs, and other storage media.

To protect discs, keep them away from direct sunlight, heat, and extreme cold. Don't allow the bottom of a CD or DVD to be scratched. Don't open the shuttle window on a floppyt disk or touch the disk's surface. Keep floppy disks and hard drives away from magnetic fields.

Step9

Keep magnets away from your computer.

Don't work inside the computer case with magnetized screwdrivers and or sit magnets on top of the computer case.

Step10

Don't unpack and turn on a computer that has just come in from the cold. If your new laptop has just arrived and sat on your doorstep in freezing weather, don't bring it in and immediately unpack it and turn it on. Wait until a computer has had time to reach room temerature to prevent damage from condensation and static electricity. In addition, when unpacking hardware or software, to help protect against static electricity, remove the pack tape and cellophane from the work area as soon as possible.

Make a Timer in Visual Basic

A timer in Visual Basic will permit the developer to have a predetermined activity happen on his operating system after a certain period in time. The developer determines what the activity is and what time period will be. Follow these steps to create a timer in Visual Basic.

Step1

Open up your Visual Basic program. Make one button. Enter this code under the button_click sub: MsgBox ("HELLO I'M A MSG BOX PROMPT").

Step2

Double click on the icon of the clock that is located on the left hand side of the screen.

Step3

Disable the timer so that it does not do something without being programmed with what to do. On the first line type "Private Sub Form_Load()" then on the second line type "Timer1.Enabled = False" On the third line type "End Sub."

Step4

Program the timer to do something. On the first line type "Private Sub Command1_Click()" then on the second line type "Timer1.Enabled = True" On the third line type "End Sub."

Step5

Enter some code to stop the timer from endlessly repeating itself. On the first line type "Private Sub Timer1_Timer()." On the second line type "MsgBox (HELLO I'M A MESSAGE BOX PROMPT")." On the third line type "Timer1.Enabled = False" and on the fourth line type "End Sub."

Pass Your Information Technology Certification Exam

Ebook Cover

You can learn how to pass any information technology certification exam when you understand how these tests are presented. Knowing how to study and where the best resources are online will aid you much in passing.

Step1

There is a growing industry in the field of information technology Computer training for certification. The market is enormous with online certification training, textbooks, practice exam question and study guides. Products and services for certification training and preparation are many to choose from on the Internet. You can find many online instructors, textbooks, study guides and practice exam questions that will help you with gaining your information technology certification. The Internet has much to choose from. You may say that all you need to achieve a good start is to simply to use the search engines to find the best resources. Does any of us really know what to look for when it comes to the proper training and preparation for information technology certification? Employers want qualified PC repair technicians, software troubleshooters, engineers and administrators.

Step2

Employees want to advance their careers with a higher paying position. Computer Certification is the answer for both employees and employers. Certification proves that you are qualified and suited for the appropriate position pertaining to the area of information technology work field you are pursuing. There are many Information Technology Certifications such as: Microsoft, Comp TIA, MCDST, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, A+, MCPD, Comp TIA Network, Comp TIA Security, CCNA, CNA, CISA and many others. Many people are seeking to be certified in one or more areas of information technology. We all want to improve our chances of receiving the job we desire. There are many places in which you can receive training in order to be prepared for your Computer certification exam. How much do you want to spend? Who can you trust in order to receive the appropriate information that is relevant to the actual exam?
Who can you turn to be completely prepared to take your final certification exam with paying the least amount out of your pocket? How you can pass your Information Technology Certification Exam on your first attempt? How hard is getting your certification? How much money will it cost me for Computer training, books and exam fees? Does test taking make you nervous?

Step3

Is it possible to be calm during a certification exam? Are there many facts to memorize in order to be prepared for a certification exam?
Many seekers of information technology certification training will ask how much work and study is really involved in order to pass the final exam on there first try? What you would the best place to start for those who are seeking to be certified in any area of information technology? There seems to be a lot to think about concerning information technology certification exam preparation. Many people purchase textbooks, study guides and practice test questions or receive online tutoring hoping to pass their Information Technology exams only to find out that the material they bought only covered some of the actual exam. You can have the confidence needed to pass your IT Certifications by knowing where to begin. Do you think that you could learn more from someone who has actually been there? Knowing someone’s successes and failures could help minimize the work and cost that you will put into being prepared for your Computer certification exam.

Overcome a Back Button Problem with Firefox 3 for Windows

Mozilla Firefox browser, simplified

Mozilla Firefox is a good free web browser and is fast. But several messages on its Forum report a sudden loss of the upper bar, the browser toolbar. So that the browser back button (red arrow) and the present website (blue arrow) are invisible and can not be recovered by restarting.

Step1

keyboard If you download the new Mozilla Firefox 3.0.5 watch whether you want to download it in "Safe Mode" for beginners, or "Custom Mode" for advanced use. The reports in the Forum of Mozilla, with the back button suddenly not working and the input for the website not available, had probably downloaded Safe Mode, as I did. Browsers become useless, if one can not move backwards, nor put another website into a new tab.

Step2

Read the Forum suggestions. They advise to use Tools, Options, and set Firefox back to Default. It did not work according to several Forum messages, neither with me. If that does not work, they advise a complicated road and wish good luck. I avoided that one, because I do not want to gamble with luck. If you like to know my way to fix the situation with Windows Vista Business, read on.

Step3

Uninstall the Firefox 3.0.5 program completely from your computer (over the Control Panel), and remove also the saved file plus the desktop icon, if you have it. Then reinstall the program from a www.mozilla.com website (green icon with download button). Choose this time the "Custom Mode". Although I had deleted my Firefox icon on the desktop it appeared again, now named: Safe Mode. Also a popup window appeared asking for the download of the custom mode. If you fill it out, an exe. file for the custom mode appears in your files and may be also the start menu list, from there you send it to your desktop and delete the safe mode Firefox icon. These two programs are linked together in the download, therefore this procedure. Now Firefox works beautifully. After a few days it adjusts to your browsing habits and your use of the internet and gets even more satisfying

Organize Your Website

Organizing your website file structure is one of the easiest things to do yet to often ingored by many webmasters. Whether your starting from scratch or you have an existing website; this article will show you how to keep your website files organized in a manageable order.

Step1

The easiest way to organize your website is group your documents and images together in there own separate folders. Along with keeping your documents separated into folders you will want to make sure you name documents and images properly; so you can easily find them.

Step2

Root Folder Your website main folder is called the root folder. This is where your index.html (home page) is located. In the root folder is where you will create all the other folders to help keep your website organized. The root folder should only contain your home page index document and any system documents related to your website configuration like the php.ini file or sitemap.xml files.

Step3

Pages Folder First we are going to organize your website page documents. Create a sub-folder in your root folder called "pages". Then move all your .html pages from the root folder to the "pages" folder. Please note that any links pointing to the original location of these pages must be changed to point to the new location inside the "pages" sub-folder.

Step4

Images Folder Next we are going to organize your website images (graphics). Create a sub-folder in your root folder called "images". Then move all your images (.jpg .gif .png) documents from the root folder to the "images" folder. Again, any image links that point to the images need to be changed to point to the new loccation inside the "pages" sub-folder.

Step5

CSS Folder If you have a style sheet it is a good idea to keep that in a separate folder as well. Create a new sub-folder in your root folder called "css". Then more your website style sheet to that new location. Remember to change your inline style sheet link to point to the new location inside the "css" sub-folder.

Step6

Now that you have organized your website it is important to keep it organized while you continue to develope and add content. Keeping your website organized makes it easy for you or anyone to update your website in the future.

Create a Simple Table in Microsoft Word

Tables present complex information in an easy-to-read format. You can insert text, numbers and graphics in tables. These instructions work for Microsoft Word 97 or 98.

Step1

Go to the Table menu and select Insert Table. The Insert Table window opens.

Step2

Select the number of rows and columns you want in your table.

Step3

Select the column width (up to 22 inches) or choose Auto to have the column width adjust automatically, making the table extend across the width of the page.

Step4

Select the AutoFormat button to select one of Word's preformatted table styles. The Table AutoFormat window opens.

Step5

Click one of the styles in the Formats box in the upper-left side of the window.

Step6

Preview each format, after selecting it, in the Preview box in the upper-right side of the window.

Step7

To customize a preselected format, select or deselect the borders, shading, font, color, heading rows, first column, last row and last column boxes.

Step8

Select AutoFit, and Word will automatically fit the table to your page.

Merge a Letter in Word

Merging letters allows you to customize letters to each individual in a mailing list. These directions are for Office 2007, though many steps are similar to previous versions of the software.

Step1

Create a template letter in Word. Then create or export a recipient list into an Excel document. Save both documents and then close them.

Open a new blank document in Word. Select Mailings from the tool bar.
In the box Start Mail Merge, select the Start Mail Merge drop down menu. Choose the Step by Step Wizard.

Step2

Choose a document type and click next. Select starting document by choosing ‘start from an existing document’. A file menu will appear. Select open or browse; search your computer for the template Word document and select open again.

Step3

Select recipients by choosing ‘use an existing file’. A file menu will appear. Select open or browse; search your computer for the Excel document.

Check ‘yes’ that your list has a header row.

If you would like to remove specific recipients from the list, un-check the boxes beside their name in the list. To continue, click okay and return to the Word menu.

Step4

Add merge fields. (The name of each field is drawn from the header row in Excel).

Use Insert on the toolbar to add text, like date and time, into your document.

Use Mailings on the toolbar to insert merge fields drawn from the excel document.

Step5

When all desired fields are inserted, under the Mailings menu select finish and merge. From here you can preview the document, view the final merged letters, save the final document, and print your letters.

Make Your Computer Speak

Making your computer speak is simple to do. It only takes a few minutes and will keep you entertained for hours!

Step1

The first thing you will want to do is go to your start menu.

Step2

Next you will need to click on your control panel.

Step3

You will then want to select Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.

Step4

Then you will want to click on Speech.

Step5

When the Speech Properties window pops-up click on the Text to Speech tab.

Step6

Here most computers will allow you to select the voice, and type in what you would like for the computer to say. You will also be able to control the voice speed.

Step7

After your selections have been made and you have typed what you would like your computer to say click on Preview Voice.

Step8

Don’t get mad at your computer if it starts to give you lip. After all you told it what to say!

Make Your Computer Operate Faster

There are many little things you can do frequently to keep your computer in tip top shape, if you foll

Step1

recycle!

Some people believe if you have an unwanted folder/file and you simply just delete it, it's gone forever and that's it! Out of sight out of mind right? Wrong. The file/folder is still just chillin' in your recycle bin. All of your unwanted junk can add up and slow down your computer and you won't get the full affect out of it.

Step2

The dreaded spy ware!

You can have tons of spy ware and/or aware lurking on your computer without even knowing it. They are really tricking little bugs that can hide within your desktop and slow your computer making it seem like it's your computer that is lacking in performance. But don't fret! There are ways to eliminate this pesky spy ware. Free downloads of programs like AVG and Spybot are safe and defend your computer. This is a great remedy

Step3

In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defrayment to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.

As you use your hard drive it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.

If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.

To run the Error Checking utility:

1.
Close all open files.

2.
Click Start, and then click My Computer.

3.
In the My Computer window, right-click the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.

4.
In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.

5.
Click the Check Now button.

6.
In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start.

Step4

hard disk space

Remove unwanted files or programs from your computer, you can make room for new and improved programs, and add to your HD speed

Change Windows Vista look like Windows XP

Are you annoyed by all the new changes that Windows Vista Themes has to offer now that you are use to Windows XP? Never fear there is hope for you yet. You can make your Windows Vista just like the XP and still keep all the new stuff you love.

Step1

Start Menu

To change over your Start Menu right click on “Start” and select “Properties.” In the box that pops up choose the “Classic Start menu” and click “OK

Step2

Desktop

To mimic the Windows XP look instead of the Windows Vista Desktop right click on the open area of your desktop and pick “Personalize” from the list. There should be a list of themes and you want the one called “Windows Classic” in the drop down menu. Don’t forget to click “OK” to accept your change.

Step3

Fixing the Folder Menus

Click into documents folder by choosing “Start” and then “My Documents”. Click on “Organize” and pick “Folder and Search Options”. Under the General tab there is an option to “Use Windows classic folders”, pick it and click “OK”.

Make your FireFox Open Multiple Links

I use this technique to keep up with reading articles from my eHow friends. When you finish this article you will be able to quickly and easily open more than one link in separate tabs with a flick of the wrist and a click of the mouse.

Step1

If you have not done so, download Firefox. It beats IExx hands down. You can download it from here. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Step2

Once you have Firefox up and running you will need to add extensions to it for additional functionality. My favorite extension is called Snaplinks. You can get it from here. http://snaplinks.mozdev.org/

Step3

To install Snaplinks you click the "download now" button and follow the directions.

Step4

Now comes the fun part. After you restart Firefox, go to your favorite social networking page. Using the mouse, place the cursor at a corner of the page. Click and hold the right mouse button down. Now draw a box by dragging the cursor at a diagonal. When you let go of the button, every link inside the box will open in a new tab.

Run Computer Program Faster

A faster computer is a good thing--it's a happy thing. But sometimes it's hard to get a computer to go fast. Learn how to speed up just a single computer program instead.

Step1

This procedure could lock up your computer. Save everything before continuing.

Step2

Start the program you want to speed up.

Step3

Hit the key combination Ctrl+Shift+Esc to instantly appear at the Windows Task Manager.

Step4

Click on the "Applications" tab.

Step5

Right click on the application you're running. Select "Go To Process."

Step6

Right-click the highlighted app. Select "Set Priority." When the menu expands, select an option higher than what it is currently set to. "High" is a good starting point.

Step7

Click "Change priority" at the dialogue box that pops up.

clickable link with HTML

This was a very interesting problem for me to figure out, because I am not by any means good at writing code. This of course will not work in the ehow article so I am going to use a "," as a separator. So all you will have to do is remove the "," and you will be good to go.

Step1

The first thing that you want to do is type the intorduction to the code. It looks like this. <,a, href,= Remeber you will need to take out the ",".

Step2

The next step is what I would call the easiest part of the whole process. I have to type the URL of the website that you want to link to inside quotation marks. Example. "http://www.peytonwholesale.synthasite.com" and then close it with a greater than sign >.

Step3

Now you type in the catchy little saying that you want for the link. To tie it all together you close off with this, <,/,a,>. Remember to take the "," out.

Step4

There you go a clickable link that can be put anywhere you can place html. I use it in comment boxes and on myspace. Thank you for reading another short and to the point article.

keep ur computer healthy

So much as we don't want to admit it, when our computers are unhappy, we are unhappy. So, much like our own health, it is important to maintain a healthy computer. A healthy computer will run smoothly, and your personal data will be safe. It is important to give computers the attention that they deserve to be healthy and functional.

Step1

Make sure you have anti-virus software installed. Keep it up to date, and don't let it expire! Make sure that your computer is scanned weekly, and perform a manual scan whenever you think it is necessary. If you do not have a virus scan, AVG Free is a great, free virus scan software option.

Step2

If you have Microsoft Windows, complete all of your Windows updates on a regular basis. These may include important safety updates, so it is not wise to ignore them.

Step3

Install spyware prevention software. Unwanted ads can be troublesome to your patience and your computer's health. Keeping spyware off of your computer will help your computer maintain good health and run smoothly.

Step4

Things happen to computers, even if the computers are well taken care of. Because of this, make sure to back up your computer on a regular basis. Back up all important computer data so you will not lose it in the event of a computer crash.

Step5

Only install software that you trust. Random, unknown software can be filled with malicious viruses. When in doubt, do not download software. Or, research the software before downloading it to ensure your computer's health and safety.

Step6

If you have a Microsoft Windows computer, run your Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter every so often to keep your computer running quickly and smoothly. To get to these, go to your Start menu, then choose Accessories, followed by
System Tools. The above options will be in that drop down menu.

Lock Your Computer In One Second With Only Two Keys

An easy way to lock your Windows XP PC or Laptop in under a second with only two keys, without having to go to the Start>Log Off Button>Confirm Log Off...etc.

I probably don't have to tell you that it's always a good idea to lock down your PC whenever you step away. At work, the internet coffee shop, even at home; security should always be a concern especially if you have sensitive data on your computer. My job for example makes it mandatory that you lock your PC when you step away from your desk.

So the next time you need to step away for that quick cup of coffee, use the following steps to lock your computer in one second using only two keys.

With a long thumb and index finger, you can even hit both keys with one hand.
For more computer tips and more check out my other articles

Legally Record Free Music to a Computer

There is still free music out there in the computer world, if you know where to look. With some search engine help and any recording software, you can find a way to legally record music onto your computer, without worrying about being a "pirate.

Step1

Make sure you have a software program for recording music, like Creative Recording or Garage Band. Open the program and change the settings so it will record whatever is played through the computer speakers.

Step2

Go to a website that allows you to play songs for free (see Resources below). There are multiple sites offering free music that advertise on search engines. You may also find music videos available on video sites like YouTube.

Step3

Find a song on one of these sites that you like. Hit "Record" on your recording software and play the song. Make sure the volume is adjusted correctly to avoid any blaring or buzzing sounds on the recording.

Step4

Edit the recorded song as you see fit (like deleting the second or two of silence at the beginning). Save it onto your computer. It will probably be saved in a format like .wav, but your software may let you compress it to an MP3 file.

Want to Know What a GUI Is

Step1

Understand What a User Interface Is: The best way to understand what a "user interface" is, is to break the phrase down into two parts: "user" and "interface". "User" refers to the computer's operator; or, the person who is causing the computer to respond.
The "interface" refers to what the display device (such as the monitor, LCD, or computer screen) illustrates as the visual output. The interface is the visual stimulus to which the user responds. Whether the interface displays graphics or text, all of what appears visually to the user is the interface.

Step2

Understand What Graphics Are: "Graphics" refer to images, symbols, and icons that appear on the computer screen. Basically, a graphic is anything other than text.

Step3

The icons to the left of the interface are graphic representations of specific computer functions and/or operations. Put It All Together: A graphic user interface, or GUI, is a user interface that is created from graphics. For example, Microsoft (MS) Windows operates with a GUI, where symbols are used as icons (these are the graphics), which are accessed by the user to perform specific functions. Typically, icons are symbolically linked to their functions. For example, when a user wants to access their printer through the computer, she will click on the icon that appears as a printer.

Know if you Have Malware Problems

Many of you may have malware or even viruses on your computer and you do not even know it. Here are some of the signs you can look for that can mean your computer is possibly infected with a virus or malware.

Step1

Having a slow computer: If you notice that your computer is slower than usual, this may mean you have a virus or malware. They can send you spam e-mail, redirect your browser, and wreck havoc on your files.

Step2

Random e-mails: Many viruses can spread throughout your e-mails. It can send the virus to your entire contact list. If you start receiving mail that says something like “Undeliverable”, you may have a virus.

Step3

Internet Browser crash: If your browser starts to continually freeze or shut down, you may be infected. Viruses like to use the internet to spread, which in this case it can take-up a lot of your resources and affect the performance of your browser.

Step4

When starting up your computer, you get error messages: If during startup of your computer you start receiving error messages, this can very well be another sign. Malware programs usually startup when you start your computer.

Keep your Computer Safe

Not only are computers expensive, but they have a lot of personal information on them. In this article you will learn how to properly maintain your computer, keep it safe from intruders, and prevent it from crashing!

Step1

BUY/DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL A FIREWALL PROGRAM:

If you use the internet, a firewall program is a must. It will block intruders from breaking into your computer. If you don't use the internet on your computer, you can skip this step and go on to step 2.

Step2

BUY/DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE:

Make sure you keep your anti-virus on at all times. Keep it up to date and run routine scans to keep your computer the safest.

Step3

DO NOT USE OUTLOOK EXPRESS FOR E-MAIL:
Use either an e-mail that your service provider gave you or a generic free e-mail service, such as hotmail, yahoo, aol, etc. You do not want to use Outlook Express because if you're sent a virus, you don't even have to open or read the e-mail to let the viruses in.

Step4

OPEN YOUR E-MAIL'S WITH CAUTION:

Viruses are often sent through e-mail and can be let into your computer by opening attachments. Only open email's or download attachments from people or companies that you know are safe.

Step5

BE SMART WHEN CHOOSING YOUR PASSWORDS:

* Use a combination of letters (upper/lower case) and numbers
* Don’t use your date of birth or your child's/pet's name.
* NEVER use your social security number.
* Don’t use the same password with other websites.
* Make up your own words instead of using ones from the dictionary.

Keep your Computer and Personal Info Safe

This article is intended to help you protect your system with some common sense knowledge and some pointers on slightly advanced tips.

Step1

Most likely, chances are you are booted into XP or Vista.
If you haven't already download SpyBot, AdAware and AVG or Avast anti-virus. These are all free.
Choose between AVG and Avast you won't need 2 anti-virus running unless you're really paranoid. Personally I prefer Avast.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2008/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5&cdlPid=10844457
http://www.avast.com/eng/download.html
http://free.avg.com/
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

Step2

Download Spybot (the first link above).
This computer will check for any harmful spyware, and tracking programs running silently in your computer. These not only track the websites you visit for directed marketing (which is unethical and should be illegal) but also slow down your computer. They also present security threats to your privacy.
There is a bit of a learning curve as SpyBot can modify your registry but it's well worth it!

Step3

The second link is AdAware. This used to be free but they are apparently charging now. To save you some time I've linked to a mirror that allows you to download the latest version free. I'm not sure if it is a trial or not - there isn't a big learning curve.
This helps remove any adware programs that SpyBot might have missed.

Step4

Download a free anti-virus, the second to last two links in step 1. Either of these are good but I encourage you to read the documents on them to see which better suits your needs.

Step5

Get a decent firewall, the last link in step 1 is for ZoneAlarm. This is a decent firewall and will get the job done in the free version.
Also a bit of a learning curve but again worth it.

Step6

If you are up to building your own firewall then read on.
If you have a spare computer lying around and you don't know what to do with it try turning it into a firewall with IpCop.
http://www.ipcop.org/
There is a massive learning curve for the beginner here! This will be a difficult setup but you will learn a lot! You will also have an awesome firewall and something to put on your resume.

Step7

If you have a network in your house you can try attacking it.
This is a great way to test how well your system is holding up.
For this you will need to have hard drive running on one of your computers.
If you don't want to install Linux on your hard drive you can run it live from a cd.
There are many different versions of Linux - all are free because they are protected under the GNU public license.
I believe the most user-friendly version of Linux right now would be Ubuntu.

Step8

Reading on how to defend your computer will help keep you current with trends in the community. Magazines like the hacker quarterly and phrack will help with this.

Step9

Download Firefox 3.0 if you aren't running it already. This is a safer browser than Internet Explorer 6/7 and it's free! It also has a lot of addons like piclens and forecastfox.
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Step10

Don't save your passwords to your computer.
This is the easiest way to hacked - even if you are not online!
All it takes is someone with a little know how to sit at your computer for a minute or less and that's it - a good amount of your accounts will be stolen!
Write down your passwords and put them somewhere safe. Some people advocate keeping them on a file in your computer and encrypted.

Keep Nosy Co-workers From Prying into Your Computer

Prying eyes are common in the office. When our co-workers walk or pass by our cubicle, they usually look at our computer monitor. How do we keep what we do on our computerprivate? How do we keep our computer away from prying eyes?

Step1

Make it a habit to press the "Ctrl", "Alt" and "Del" buttons to lock your computer before you leave your desk to take a break, go to the bathroom or to a meeting or get coffee.

a. Press "Ctrl", "Alt" and "Del" buttons

b. Click on either the "Lock This Computer" or "Log off"

When you click on the "Lock This Computer" option, you are still logged into your work's network. You just need to unlock your computer when you come back to your desk by entering your password.

If you clicked on "Log off", it logs you off your work's network.

Step2

You can also set a screen saver password. When the screen saver mode is on and when the mouse is moved or you press a key, you will be asked to enter a password in order to turn off the screen saver. To do this:

a. Right-click on any blank area of your desktop
b. choose Properties from the menu
c. Click on the Screen Saver tab and choose a screen saver that you want from the dropdown menu
d. Then, check the box next to "Password Protected"
e. Click on the "Change" button
f. Enter your password
g. Hit "OK"

Step3

Microsoft Outlook Customize your Outlook View Settings. When you know somebody is behind you or coming into your cubicle, you can quickly change the reading pane view of your Microsoft Outlook so that co-workers won't be able to read your emails while they are behind you or talking to you.

Our inbox reading pane is usually set where we can view the body of an email. This is set at either right or bottom. Follow the steps below to add this icon to your Microsoft Outlook Toolbar:

a. Go to Tools
b. Select Customize
c. Click on the Commands tab
d. Select View
e. Then, under the Commands category drag Reading Pane out of the dialog box to your Toolbar

Step4

Show Desktop Set the Show Desktop icon in your Quick Launch Toolbar. This is another way to quickly minimize all the windows that are currently up. It's an easy way to keep co-workers from knowing what you are doing, when you hear someone is coming. To set the Show Desktop icon in your Quick Launch Toolbar:

a. Right-click on the Start button
b. Select Properties
c. Click on the Taskbar tab and make sure the box next to "Show Quick Launch" is checked. Once checked, you should see the "Show Desktop" icon as one of the defaults. There should be 3 default icons and "Show Desktop" icon is one of them.

Step5

Request or purchase a Computer Privacy Filter or Computer Monitor Privacy Screen. This helps keep prying eyes off your computer screen.

Lock your Computer instantly

If you're worried about people snooping through your documents while away from your computer, worry no more. Locking down your computer is easier than you may think.

Step1

Hit the key with the Windows logo on it, and hold it down. (It should be two keys to the left of the spacebar, or near the left "Alt" key.)

Step2

Hit "L." Windows locks the computer and requires a password to unlock it.

Step3

Feel safe about leaving your computer.

Windows Home Server Install

Microsoft has introduced Windows Home Server, an operating system designed to allow a home user to easily backup, access, and share all of the home’s media including digital photos and videos. It even has a secure and personalized website address for sharing the photos and videos. Here’s how to install it.

Step1

Before installing, ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements: 1.0 GHz Intel Pentium 3 (or equivalent) processor, at least 512 MB RAM, at least an 80 GB internal hard drive as primary drive, and a 100 Mbit/s wired Ethernet.

Step2

Boot your computer from the installation CD.

Step3

There will be three progress bars initially. First, there will be a black and white Screen that says “Windows is loading files…,” next there will be a second green progress bar, and third will be a “setup is initializing…” progress bar.

Step4

At the “Welcome to Windows Home Server Setup” window, select Next.

Step5

Select the time and currency format as well as the keyboard or input method. Select Next.

Step6

At the Load Additional Storage Drivers window, ensure all of your hard drives are listed. If not, choose the load drivers button to load additional drivers. Once completed, select Next.

Step7

At the “Select An Installation Type” window, ensure New Installation is selected and select Next. Please note that all data on all hard drives will be erased at this time.

Step8

At the “End User License Agreement” page, select I accept this agreement and select next.

Step9

Enter your product license key.

Step10

At the “Name Your Server” window, give your server an appropriate name. Select Next.

Step11

At the “Formatting Hard Drives” window, select the checkbox to acknowledge that all data on the drives will be lost. Select Next.

Step12

Select Yes at the warning that states ”All data on all of this computer’s hard drives will be deleted. Are you sure you want to continue?”

Step13

At the “Ready to Install Windows Home Server” window, select Start.

Step14

The tasks of Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, and Finalizing Installation will complete automatically. The subtask of formatting the system volume may take a few minutes.

Mac Os X install

Install Mac OS X

Install Mac OS X

Sometimes your MAC can start running slow. A good way to resolve this is to just reinstall the OS completely. In this guide, I'll tell you how.

Step1

Insert your Mac OS X software CD or DVD

Step2

Restart your computer while holding down the [C] key

Step3

Select the hard drive and volume you want to install Mac OS X on. If you click OPTIONS, you will have the choice to ARCHIVE or ERASE old OS installation.

Step4

Proceed with installation and once completed successfully, you will have to restart MAC and you are all set.

Dell Ubuntu Netbook Remix install

Dell Ubuntu Remix 8.04

I'll show you how to download the disc image and install the Dell created version of Ubuntu Linux for the Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook. Since the image is created by Dell it includes all drivers and programs you will need to start out.

Step1

Dell Mini 9 Ubuntu Netbook Remix - Restore ISO Image The first thing you will want to do is download the ISO image for the install from the following link:

http://torrents.thepiratebay.org/4446076/Dell_Mini_9_Ubuntu_Netbook_Remix_-_Restore_iso_image.4446076.TPB.torrent

You will need a torrent download program to get the file. I would suggest u Torrent from the following link, If you don't already have a torrent program:

http://download.utorrent.com/1.8.1/utorrent.exe

After getting these two downloaded you will want to open the .iso file from the location you downloaded it to with a burning program. If you have Nero I think this is one of the better programs, otherwise BurnAware is available for free and will perform the same function.

http://www.burnaware.com/downloads/burnaware_free.exe

So after you download and burn the .iso image to a DVD disc we can proceed to Step 2.

Step2

Install Ubuntu from Restore Disc Insert the burned DVD into your external optical drive and plug it into an available USB port on your Netbook.

When you start up the system you will want to press the number 0 at the Dell Start up splash screen. This will pull up the Boot Menu.

Press the down arrow once to select CD/DVD/CD-RW and then hit Enter.

The Dell System Restore DVD screen will appear and you will be prompted to Press "Enter" to continue. Do this and then type proceed and hit Enter to start the installation.

The Ubuntu Splash screen will pop up along with the Install script at the bottom of your screen. The installer will Delete your old Partition Table, Create the new Partition Table, Format the drive, then mount and copy the system files and programs. This process will take approximately 15 minutes.

The DVD will eject once the initial install is complete, you can remove it from the drive and disconnect the USB optical drive from the system. The computer will restart and show you Dell's End User Software License Agreement or EULA for short. Read through this if you like then hit Enter to proceed.

Next you are given the Service Tag & Express Service Code from your system. Make a note of these if you would like, they are also printed on the label underneath your system so not really necessary. Hit Enter to proceed.

Step3

Set up your Personal Info Now we will set up Ubuntu for your personal use. The first screen will ask your language, select that then Foward. Choose the Country you live in (United States) next then select Forward. Choose your time zone for the system clock (New York) then select forward. Choose the Keyboard layout you would like (USA, USA) then select Forward. In the Who Are You? window type in your User Name, log in name, and administrator password. Make a note of the Log in name and Password as the system will ask you for these to verify certain actions. You can leave the Check box as is if you would like the system to Automatically log in. Otherwise uncheck the box and select Forward. Now your system will log you in for the first time. If your screen brightness is way down like mine hit the following key combination to brighten things up: Fn+9 then Fn+0

You should be up and running now, with my install it took approximately 20-25min to complete the process.

To connect to your wireless network select the network icon in the system tray at the top of the page then choose your preferred network and if a security key is required the system will prompt for it. Enjoy!

Step4

Ubuntu Update Manager As an extra step I would recommend updating the System Packages. To do this go to the system menu at the top left of the screen, next to the home icon the Ubuntu one. Then select System => Administration => Update Manager.

When the Update Manager window opens select Check then enter your password from the setup to get the newest updates. After the Updates are found select Install Updates to apply them.

Reboot or Install Windows XP on Your Computer

Reboot or Install Windows XP on Your Computer

When your computer fails to boot, what do you do? The most common cause for your computer not to boot is because of a corrupt Operating System, in our case Windows XP. I will outline some of the steps in installing Xp. Please keep in mind that this is just an outline, a summary of sort.

Step1

Your PC must have a CD-ROM drive if not you could use another hard disk (whether it be an external hard drive, USB, drive, or other form of storage media.) These steps are for a CD-ROM rebot media. The first step obviosuly is to insert the Windows XP cd in your CD Drive. You must set the boot selector in your BIOS to boot from CD.

Step2

After it boots up in the Windows Setup Screen, you have various choices that you have to pick. The most important is the selection to format the drive or not and to leave the file system intact or not. You can choose NTFS or leave it at FAT 32. It is up to you what you would like to choose.

Step3

After your selection, reboot the machine. Usually the computer does does it automatically, but you may have to do it manually.

Step4

It takes a good 30 minutes to 1 hour to install XP. Just leave the computer there running and installing the OS system. When using your PC be careful in installing software as well as when visiting websites. Some files have viruses that destroy your OS. You should also check for spyware regularly to avoid being bothered by minor system glitches caused by a stealth program running in the background.