Category: Computer / Network Security

Network Security and Internet Safety for the Average Guy

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I was asked to speak at out church recently on the topic of internet filtering at home and give some advice to parents about what they can do to protect their kids again some of the less than desirable content on the internet.  I have written and spoken about this before on the blog and podcast and will include some links below for anyone who would like to dig a little deeper.  In the mean time, here are some quick and essential tips on managing your home network’s safety and security.   Network Security 1.  Make Sure Your Hardware Is

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The APC 1000VA Power Saving Green Back-UPS XS – with LCD Display

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A UPS is a device that you don’t know you need, until you need it.  A UPS or uninterruptible power supply is an in house battery back up that provides emergency power to your computer (or anything else you plug into it) when your utilities fail.  Here in Bellevue where I live, we get sudden drops in power all the time, so for years I have used small UPS units to protect my PCs.  It been a great system and has worked very well. Last Thursday we had storm roll through that caused a short power outage followed by a

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How to Configure Windows 7 Updates

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If you’ve been a Windows user since XP, you probably know the importance of keeping the OS up-to-date. If you’re new to Windows or more specifically Windows 7, here we’ll take some time to go over the importance of making sure you have Windows Updates configured properly. If you want to help make sure that your PC is is more stable and less vulnerable to malicious attacks, the 2 main things to keep up-to-date is your Antivirus software and Windows Updates. The 2nd Tuesday of each month Microsoft has what’s called “Patch-Tuesday”. This is the day when Microsoft releases patches

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Windows Multipoint Server 2011 beta

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November 13,2010 I’ve been having a look at Windows Multipoint Server 2010 this week. Sean Daniel released a slide deck for SMBNation Presentations on Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and 2011 Standard. I noticed on slide 24, there is a reference to a product called Windows MulitPoint Server. So I downloaded the 2010 version and installed that on a 1TB drive on my Shuttle SG33G5M with a 880GT. Looks like you need to have a USB hub for each keyboard and mouse for each workstation and a video connection on your server for each monitor. All was going well,

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Having Issues with Your Windows PC? (Who Hasn’t!) Here Are Some Helpful Tips

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If you are having trouble finding your way through computer problems, you are not alone.  Fortunately, there is help!  Microsoft has a very well done site that is dedicated to hints, fixes and tweaks to get you on your way.  They cover everything from the basics to locating problems to software errors to hardware troubles.  You can find the info here: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/troubleshoot101.aspx Enjoy and remember, I search so you don’t have to!

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Worried about PC Security? 2 Things You Should Do Right Now! (and they are free!)

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It seems like it comes in waves and this week has been one of those waves!  Since I often fix broken PCs for people, I see it all.  Lately, I have been getting that call that starts something like this.  “Jim, I have a message that my computer has found a virus and that I need to pay to update my Antivirus software.  Do I?” In most cases, this is a solid, NO!  There is a breed of viruses called “Scareware” that try to separate you from you money by collecting $$$ for antivirus updates for some bogus software.  It

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