Check the file Extension

The file extension is an important factor to consider in determining whether a software or generalized download is safe. Many viruses end with a .exe extension, which is short for an executable file. While many legitimate software applications have this extension as well, it is still important to take note of. If you are downloading a text file, or a picture, it should not have a .exe file extension; if it does, it is a nefarious file and should be discarded.

Where is it Being Downloaded From?

Before agreeing to download a file, a pop-up window should become visible that will show you the source of the file. If the file is coming from a location you do not recognize, or does not seem to be affiliated with the site you found the link on, do not download it.

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More people are logging on to the Internet now than ever before. Through the ease of accessing the Internet with a favorite mobile device, to connecting wirelessly with a laptop anywhere in the home, the Internet is a growing entity within our society that provides us with many benefits. However, while in fact there are many positive aspects of the Internet that people enjoy, there are also many dangers that exist online that can really turn a user experience negative.

One of the most prevalent of these dangers are viruses that can both cause damage to computers as well as bring financial ruin to unsuspecting victims. Below are a couple effective actions you can take that will protect your computer from these potential dangers.

Do Not Neglect Operating System Updates

Operating systems are continuously being patched to make sure there are no loop-holes for security breaches. When a potential problem turns up, developers fix it and release a patch for users of the operating system to download and install. These updates are extremely important for security, and keeping them up to date is good practice.

Download a Free Virus Scanner

There are many pieces of free virus scanning software that give a basic scanning and elimination mechanism to detect and remove common viruses associated with computers and Internet use. Going the route of having one of these virus scanners on your computer for regular maintenance will make sure that if anything does slip behind the lines and infect your computer, the software will stop it before it can cause any real damage.

Passwords

Whether you’re registering your child’s build-a-bear or paying your credit card bill, many online tasks require you to create and remember a password. Some websites go a step further and require you to create a password that meets certain complexity standards. It’s wise to keep a list of your frequently used passwords in a safe deposit box. That way, you’ll have them in a secure place if you need to refresh your memory.

Registration

From tablets to TVs, many companies want you to register your new electronic devices. In many cases, companies use the information you submit to contact you if there’s a problem with the device. They’ll also use the information for marketing purposes. Because of this, some people use an incorrect middle initial on the registration form and discard any snail mail that arrives with the wrong initial on it. Registration can also be required before you can access certain websites.

Batteries

You’ve careful typed up that long response to your boss on your iPhone and you’re ready to hit send — but before you do, your message is gone and the little white circle appears in the middle of the screen. Your battery is on its last leg. If you use any kind of mobile device, you’ve got to have a plan for charging the batteries. Plan to carry both a car charger and a cord for traditional outlets. You’d be surprised how many eating establishments besides Starbucks offer outlets near tables where you can charge your device.

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Computers have become a staple in the modern household and office setting. Ranging from anything to accessing email for connecting with distant friends, to keeping records of clients, computers do a wide array of different functions that have improved the lives of us all. However, while in fact more people are using computers now than ever before, there are still a large amount who do not, or are extremely unfamiliar with the hardware aspect of how their computer works.

In owning a computer, it is important to at least have basic knowledge of the hardware to make troubleshooting an easier process, as most problems that occur are simple to resolve with basic knowledge. Below are a couple of the areas that it is important for people who own or use computers to have some level of knowledge about.

Familiarity With the Main Components

Familiarity with the different components under the computer case is valuable knowledge to have. Knowing what part of the computer does what, and what each of these parts looks like is imperative to successful troubleshooting, particularly as it pertains to hardware issues that can occur with extended use.

Knowledge to Replace Main Components When Necessary

Knowing how to replace the various pieces of computer hardware does not require a lot of work, and allows computer owners to do their own upgrading and or hardware troubleshooting. By taking he time to learn this, you can save yourself a great deal of money by preventing yourself from having to over-pay someone else to do it for you.

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If you are an Apple Macintosh user, you are probably very familiar with iLife. The iLife suite consists of five separate applications:
iDVD
GarageBand
iWeb
iMovie
iPhoto

The iMovie application was the original piece of iLife and was first released in 1999 as part of the iMac DV package. In 2000 Apple began to distribute iMovie free of charge.

iPhoto, the second application, was also available for free, beginning with its release and announcement at MacWorld in 2002.

iDVD was released in 2001 and came as part of the software that was bundled with the new PowerMac G4 hardware. iDVD was added because of the new hardware’s SuperDrive that allowed users to both read and write DVDs, as well as CDs.

The remaining two applications, GarageBand and iWeb were never released as individual packages but were released with the first version of iLife that was introduced in 2004. GarageBand is used to create and edit music, while iWeb allowed users to create websites without any HTML knowledge. This app also allows users to browse informational sites such as Offers.com to get more information and products for web design.

iLife updates and new versions were released on the following dates:

• iLife January 2003
• iLife ’04 January 2004
• iLife ’05 January 2005
• iLife ’06 January 2006 (This was the last version to also include iTunes.)
• iLife ’08 August 2007
• iLife ’09 January 2009
• iLife ’11 October 2010

iLife users can get regular updates either through the Software Update application that is part of the Mac OSX operating system or through the Apple website.