Author Archives: admin

I occasionally give a short talk to local groups regarding basic computer security.  I usually include the following story.   I carry a 32GB flash drive around my neck most of the time (cost ~$50 in 2009). It is about … Continue reading →

Basic suggested DIY steps to defend your Windows computer: Stay up with the following: Windows®  Updates,  Java® Runtime Environment, Adobe® Flash Player,  Adobe® Shockwave, and  Adobe® Reader. (Antivirus needs to stay updated, but that goes without saying.) If your system … Continue reading →

The basic elements of computer security.    A layman's primer. This won't help you much as far as keeping your computer secure. It is a very cursory discussion of some of the underlying security technology concepts, for those who might be … Continue reading →

I recently got this email (below).   It is a hoax.  It makes for an amazing story. I included the email and my comments on this and how to be more critical, and thus more selective, of what you forward to … Continue reading →

This test is not definitive, but it gives a baseline. Time Warner Should be around 5 or 6.  DSL should be 1.5 or 2. Time Warner Current Speed Test (only works for Road Runner) Here is a more neutral? speed tester

If you need to frequently exchange documents with those who do not have Word 2007, you may want to change the default Word 2007 output type from .docx to .doc. In a nutshell here's how: 1-2) Choose word options.    3-4) Select … Continue reading →

Microsoft Office 2007 is just another installment of the arrogant nonsense coming from Microsoft. It probably has lots of cool stuff in it, but almost nobody needs any of it. The first time I ran Word 2007, it took me … Continue reading →

1) Don't visit non-mainstream "singles" sites. (Generally safe, from an internet security standpoint are match.com, eharmony,chemistry.com. The major ones)  I am not speaking to the risks of meeting with people/strangers that you find online. This is another subject.  I am … Continue reading →

OpenOffice provides a free alternative for creating and reading Word Documents (.doc files), Excel spreadsheets(.xls files) and PowerPoint Presentations(.ppt files).  Note that it has some other modules which are not discussed here.  And Note that this product does NOT provide … Continue reading →

Organizing Your Digital Photos – Made Easy    by Jeff  Bonsteel, Bonsteel Computer Services   Google’s free Picasa software is great for organizing, editing and sharing your digital photos.  The first feature you will encounter after installing Picasa might be … Continue reading →