It’s time to talk security again. For a moment, just imagine how much it would hurt if someone stole your computer, your PDA or the thumb drive you keep a few important files on.
The first rule of safety is to back up all your important files. We get so many customers who have lost all their pictures, all their music and all their financial data that we know some of you still aren’t taking this advice.
Now, that being said, it’s time to ask the next question: How can you keep people from stealing your electronic toys?
First of all, thieves can’t steal what they don’t know about. Keep your stuff out of sight. Carry your laptop in a nonstandard bag. Don’t flash your PDA around like you are looking for a cell phone signal. Make sure that the people walking down the street in front of your house can’t simply look through your window and see that new 30-inch screen you just got.
Now, you have to assume that sooner or later someone will notice these nice things that you have. First thing is to never leave them alone. Since you have to sleep sometime, I might suggest a security cable. A good source for these is www.computersecurity.com.
Many laptops, desktops and screens come with a physical cable loop; run a cable through that and chain it up to the nearest large metal object and you are in pretty good shape. For the devices that don’t have a security loop, you can buy one with some industrial glue. These devices usually cost in the $20 to $40 range.
While locks and cables have their place, they sometimes aren’t the best solution. The next step is security alarms. These devices can be attached directly to an item so that an alarm will sound or an alert will be sent to a security company via a security box located in the nearest closet. These devices also can be placed over edges and access points so that if someone tries to be sneaky and steal your hard drive or RAM without removing the system it won’t be quite so easy.
Assuming that all of the above fails and Mr. Sneaky still manages to get your hard drive, make sure you activate your password. Make your password something uncommon. A good share of people use “password” or “password1,” so don’t use those.
Next thing is, don’t tape your password under your desk or keyboard. Doing either one of those things is equivalent to putting your spare house key under the front mat. When setting up your passwords in XP, make sure to privatize your files (it will ask you when you set up your password for the first time) and make sure to boot into safe mode and password the administrator account as well.
Since passwords in XP are about as secure as an investment in Internet stocks, we will cover file security in XP and Vista in some of the upcoming columns.
To contact us with comments, questions or ideas, send e-mail to willr@conceptsnet.com. Hopefully, you have found some useful information in this column. To dig deeper or ask questions, visit our Weblog at www.twogeeksblog.com.
Sven Mogelgaard is the owner of Mill Creek-based Byte Slaves Inc. and can be reached by calling 425-482-9529. Will Rutherford is the owner of Bothell-based Computer Concepts and can be reached by calling 425-481-3666.
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