Al Lustie's Tips and Tricks

I just discovered a useful new site for Windows Users.  As you know I have recommended that each Windows user be a paid subscriber (you can get information for free, of course) to Windows Secrets.  I followed a link to another useful site  called InfoSecrets.  Take a look.  I think they have some good information there.  Currently they are noting that the new Internet Explorer 9 is nearly ready for release, and it will apparently have ways you can blacklist sites and prevent them from setting cookies.  That will be GOOD.

On an Apple note, rumor has it that the next iteration of the iPad will be released or announced next week.  Watch for it if, like me, you think this might be the one to get.

In Monday's Denver Post, Feb. 21, 2011, in the Business section an article about new dangers for internet users pointed out how easy it is for someone to hijack your computer use over a public WiFi connection.  Only two browsers seem to be able to protect you at this time -- Firefox (see getfirefox.com)   and Chrome (from Google).  The Safari browser for either Mac or Windows or iPad does not offer any protection at this time.

For more information see this TechRepublic page or TechCrunch or Mashable.  Search in Google for "Protect my computer from Firesheep" to find other methods of protection.  Or See Walyou or eSecurity Planet. 

You may be saying, "Why doesn't Al tell us the steps to take?"

Answer:  the steps are outlined very well already.  Go to one or more of the above sites by clicking, read, and act.  If you need help, and live in the south Denver area, call me to come and do it for you. 

For sure, make sure your home WiFi network (your router, usually) is protected with strong encryption and a strong passphrase.  Change the name of the router/network.

If you can, do nothing important at the coffee shop.  Don't check your bank, log into  your email, or do anything that someone reading over your shoulder could hijack.  The speed at which this hacking tool can grab your password(s) is amazing.

Use Firefox or Chrome wisely.  Do not use Safari and do not use Internet Explorer.  Mac users -- if you must use Safari invest in COOKIE (found in the Apple App Store for mac computers) and do the work setting it up to protect your personal and business data.

You can stay safe, but it's up to you.  Over 105,000 people have downloaded this hacking tool.  At least one of them may be near you in any public place.

I liken it to avoiding certain streets anytime, and other streets during certain hours of the day or night.  It's just smart.  But on the street you can take people with you.  On the internet you are pretty much on your own.  Be safe.

As I continue to expand my use of technology, I find myself using many of the tools Google makes available at no charge.  Google Docs, Google Calendar (synchronizing with my iPAD and computers), Google Presentations, and so forth.  Blogspot, a Google blogging possibility, has been a major part of my experience for several years.

Start here:  get a Google account.  Go to Google.com and click on Gmail or More (drop down menu) and choose a tool.  You will be given the opportunity to create an account if you don't have one.  It's easy and fairly fast.

Then I recommend you explore a bit.  To get an idea of what your options are go to the Google Options page.  WOW! 

To learn more, go to their Help page.  Check out the products listed, watch some videos, and generally get a feel for the possibilities. 

I have not even begun to check it all out, but I'm on the way.  Oh, you can use this whether you are working from a PC or a Mac.  I even use my iPAD.  Probably a Samsung tablet or other such device would work as well.

Enjoy!