How to Handle Sensitive Data

Chances are that if you’re reading this, you may have social security numbers stuffed in the sock drawer or bank numbers in a plain text file in your Documents folder. Bad idea. Not only does this make the information difficult to organize, but it also leaves you highly vulnerable to anyone who wants this data. Here are some suggested practices for protecting your data from malicious people.

Evaluate and Eliminate

First off, most of this data you have lying around probably doesn't need to be kept, or you have duplicates of it. Sort through it all and figure out what you really need. Have passwords to old online accounts you no longer use? Go through to the different accounts and close them to eliminate some of this data.

Encrypt

Now that you have consolidated your sensitive data, you need to encrypt it. There are countless programs used to encrypt data so we suggest you find one that you like.

Storing Data

Cool, you have all your encrypted files, but now what? Picking the proper storage media to suit your needs is key. You don’t want these files all over the place so here’s what we suggest:

• Your Brain—No matter how safe you are, the best place to store data is in your head where nobody can get to it.
• Desktop—Because desktops are not as portable as other storage alternatives the security goes up given that:
• You follow safe computing practices and keep everything up to date.
• You both physically and remotely restrict access to your computer.
• Removable Media—Flash drives, SD cards, CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks are not the best places to store sensitive information just because they can easily be lost or stolen. However, they can also be great—tape a micro SD card inside the top of a locked safe and chances are that it’s fairly secure
• Laptops—We’re not even going to beat around the bush, just don’t do it! These things are just too portable and popular among thieves that it’s just not a good idea.
• Networked Location—Again, it’s probably not the best idea. Sure, the server itself may be secure, but the network connection probably isn't. Better to just stay away from this option unless you really know what you’re doing, even then it’s probably not worth it.

How do you store your sensitive data? Let me know in the comments below.

How to Earn Passive Income While Your Computer Idles

As a general rule, passive incomes are time consuming to setup, but afterwards they earn money continually over time. However, rules can have exceptions which works in our favor in this case. With about five minutes of time, you can setup a well paying passive income with the help of some software called Gomez PEER. 

"Gomez PEER is a secure java application that runs in the background of your PC and leverages your system’s idle resources (such as unused processing power, RAM, and bandwidth) to test the performance of many of the world’s most popular websites."

"Users who download and run the Gomez PEER application make up a network of more than 150,000 individuals who, together, are helping to make the Internet a faster, more reliable tool for everyone."

You will be paid according to the number of minutes of Real Time Processing that is done. While pay rates are very low, what other program takes just a few minutes to set up and pays you to leave your computer on with no upkeep? And will pay month after month?

You may be wondering "Does it slow down my computer or internet speeds?"

No, it does not. Gomez PEER uses unnoticeable amounts of processing power, ram, and bandwidth to preform its tasks.

Now, what do you need to do to get started?  

1. Apply to become a Gomez PEER. The application can be found here 
2. Download Gomez PEER software.
3. Install and run Gomez PEER.

That's it! Make sure Gomez PEER is setup to start running whenever your computer is turned on, and you're set!

Gomez Peer running

Now to maximize your earnings:

1. Be connected to the internet as often as possible. 
2. Gomez PEER allows multiple computers to be linked to one account (username). Take advantage of that by installing Gomez PEER on as many computers as you can and link them all to your account. 
3. Got friends that are smart enough to jump on free money? Gomez PEER offers $1 for each referral.

My proof of payment from Gomez PEER

So what are you waiting for? You could be earning money right now! Have any other passive income streams? Let me know in the comments below. Also, do you have an old phone collecting dust? Learn how to increase your passive income with a Perk TV Phone Server Farm.

How to Turn a Windows 7 PC Into a Dedicated Steam Machine

As most Steam users know, Steam is coming out with their very own console. However, those of us who want a Steam console experience still have to wait. Also, Steam Box will be Linux-based, which is a problem for those of us who own several Windows or Mac only games, and are not ready to part with them. Below are instructions to convert a Windows 7 PC into a Windows-based Steam Box.

These instructions will tell you how to make windows boot straight into Steam Big Picture, disable windows interface from loading and set Steam as shell, disable user interaction at windows logon screen, customize windows logon screen, and customize boot screen. Note: this is only if your computer is only going to be a dedicated Steam Box. I’m not responsible if you don’t like what you did or if you messed up your machine. Okay, so let’s start.

Part One: Set Big Picture on Steam Start

 This part will set Steam Big Picture Mode to startup whenever Steam starts.

1. Open Steam in windowed mode (not Big Picture)
2. Click on the ‘Steam’ dropdown menu in the top left corner. Then press ‘Settings.’
3. Click on the ‘Interface’ tab and check the box that says ‘Start Steam in Big Picture Mode.’

Part Two: Set Steam as Shell (Main Graphical User Interface)

In this part we will set Steam as your computers shell instead of what most people consider to be Windows. This will mean that as soon as your computer logs in, Steam Big Picture Mode will start. You will not see and Windows background, start menu, or anything of that nature.

1. Open the start menu. In the start menu search box type ‘regedit’ and press ENTER. This will open regedit.
2. Navigate through the folders to [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]. 
3. Right click on the ‘Winlogon’ folder and select ‘New > String Value’ 
4. Name it ‘Shell’. 
5. Right click on the newly created ‘Shell’ and press ‘Modify’ 
6. Type in the path to Steam.exe on your machine. By default on a 64-bit Windows 7 machine, the path is ‘C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe’ Press OK after you have entered the path.

You can stop here if you want and you will have a dedicated Windows-based Steam Box. The next parts just make the power up of the ‘console’ more elegant and beautiful.

Note: Now that your computer boots straight into Big Picture, you won’t have immediate access to you Windows Graphical User Interface. If you ever decide that you don’t want your computer to boot into Steam, just delete the ‘Shell’ entry that you made in regedit. Below are instructions in case you ever need access to windows.

1. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and Select ‘Start Task Manager’
2. Press the File dropdown menu at the top and select ‘New Task (Run…)’ 
3. Type in ‘explorer.exe’ and press OK

Part Three: Set Windows To Automatically Login

Since you’re making a dedicated Steam Box it makes sense to not type in your Windows password or click your user icon every time you turn on your machine. In this section we will set windows to automatically login so you don’t have to mess with unnecessary typing or clicking.

1. Open the start menu. In the start menu search box type ‘netplwiz’ and press ENTER. This will open regedit.
2. Uncheck the box that says ‘Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer’
3. Press ‘Apply’ and then press ‘OK’

Part Four: Customize Windows Logon Screen

Yes, you have already set Windows to automatically login, but your machine will still show the Windows logon screen while it’s booting. You can edit the background with registry edits, but’Tweaks.com Logon Changer for Windows 7’ makes it simple and does not require an install either.

1. Download ’Tweaks.com Logon Changer for Windows 7’ http://tweaks.com/software/tweakslogon/
2. Download or create a background. I suggest a good quality Steam background. 
3. Run ’Tweaks.com Logon Changer for Windows 7’ 
4. Press the ‘Change Logon Screen’ Button 
5. Select your new background and press ‘Open’ 
6. Press the ‘Test’ button to make sure it looks right

Part Five: Remove Windows Branding on Logon Screen

Two things you may have notice while customizing your logon screen are the Windows branding and ‘Ease of Access’ Button of the screen. For this step, I suggest just following the instructions from.

http://www.askvg.com/how-to-remove-branding-logo-and-ease-of-access-accessibility-button-from-windows-vista-and-7-login-screens/

Part Six: Customize Boot Screen

When your machine boots up, you may have notice the Windows icon and text saying ‘Starting Windows’ below it. This can be changed to anything you want with a program called ‘Windows 7 Boot Updater.’ You can make animated images during the boot screen, but for this example, we’ll just use a static image.

1. Download ‘Windows 7 Boot Updater’ http://windows-7-boot-updater.en.softonic.com/
2. Download or create a Steam Logo 
3. Run ‘Windows 7 Boot Updater’ 
4. Under ‘Animation’ select ‘Static Image’ 
5. Select your image and press ‘Open’ 
6. Select the ‘Message 2’ tab and replace ‘Starting Windows’ with ‘Starting Steambox’
7. Change the text in the ‘Message 1’ tab to something clever. 
8. Press ‘Apply’

Part Seven: Time To Play!

You created your very own Windows-based Steam Box. Now it’s time to connect your new Steam Box to your TV, plug in a controller, and have fun!

Did you have any success with your Steam Machine project? Or are you having trouble getting started? Let me know in the comments below.

Marconi Union's Weightless: The Most Relaxing Song Ever

A group of sound therapists and a British band, Marconi Union, have created an eight minute long song 'Weightless', which scientists claim is the most relaxing ever in the history of man. Weightless is a beautiful arrangement of harmonies, rhythms and bass lines that is apparently so relaxing that it is advised not to listen to it while driving. The soothing musical tune helps slow the heart rate

Lock a Folder With Password Using Free Folder Protector

All of us have some files and folders that we consider private. They can be anything from our business documents to pictures of friends and family. These are files that we don't want other people using our computer to know about. As Windows offers no way to protect our private information, most of us get in awkward situations when these files are discovered by unwanted people.

Surely, you can

How to Protect Yourself From Laptop Larceny

By Jennifer Thayer 

Laptops are more than just a gadget to most users. More often than not laptops will contain passwords, addresses, banking and credit card numbers and personal information. If a laptop is stolen, it won't take a smart thief long to break into the account and gain access to personal and important information.

According to LoJack, two million laptops are stolen each year and as computing devices get smaller that number will get bigger. While you may not always get your computer back, there are some steps you can take to decrease the damage done.

Be Proactive

It sounds simple, but always be mindful of your computer. Don't leave it on the table while you refill your coffee and don't leave it unattended in your car or office. Most thieves commit crimes of opportunity, so don't give them one.

Also, consider installing a theft protection feature. Lenovo offers ConstantSecure Remote Disable for their new ThinkPad tablet pc models. If your laptop is stolen you can send a text message to the laptop disabling it. The unit will power down completely and will not restart until a re-activation key is entered. While this won't protect your hardware investment, it will protect your information from thieves interested in more than wiping the hard drive and selling your laptop.

You can also invest in recovery software. Companies like ComputraceComplete and PCPhoneHome can be purchased for $30 to 50 a year and offer you a chance at getting your laptop back. These companies connect your laptop periodically to a main server. When this happens the agency can tell you exactly where your laptop is and notify the police to recover it.

Damage Control

Once you realize your laptop is missing contact the police and file a report noting the model and serial number. Go through all your accounts and change passwords. Create new high protection passwords (containing numbers, letters and symbols) quickly, before the thief beats you to it and locks you out of your accounts.

Keep an eye on your bank accounts and let your bank and credit card companies know that your information may have been stolen so they can issue a fraud alert and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

Losing a laptop is hard but fighting identity theft is harder. Take the proper steps to protect yourself and your information. If the worse happens, stay calm and take the time to perform damage control. It may not give you back your laptop but it may give you a little piece of mind.

How To Scan and Fix Registry with Registry Cleaner?

by: Austin Porter

Whenever you use your PC, it either reads or inserts entry onto a particular spot in its system. Overtime, this process can accumulate and cause some problems which are hard to ignore. It's because of this why you regularly have to scan and fix registry of your PC using related cleaner software. Continue reading to learn more about this. I will also be discussing a top quality registry cleaner software that speed up my PC quickly.

The computer has to remember a lot of things - hardware attached, selected system options, applications around, etc. Each time you use it, it has to go through all of these entries. However, there may also be invalid, missing or double entries. Such can be caused by anything from removing a hardware previously attached, to deleting a file or program.

When such happens, you will notice that the PC will begin to work a lot slower than before. Although it goes through all these entries in a very fast manner, still it may take some time if there's too much to read. Eventually, you will also notice certain programs will refuse to run, and system crashes will surface more frequently.

Of course you can always take your computer to an expert to have all unnecessary entries removed. However, it may come with a steep price tag. What's more, it's supposed to be done periodically to keep your computer in tip-top shape. Doing it on your own is definitely not recommendable, as you can even cause some irreversible damages.

What you can do is to install and run registry cleaner software. This will automatically examine each of the entries made from day one. It removes safely and effectively those which are already invalid, missing or were recorded twice. This is a much safer way for you to do so, instead of attempting to manually remove entries which can cause the PC problems.

You may scan and fix registry using free software you may find online. In downloading them, carefully read the system requirements so you're installing something that will work best for your computer. Also, see to it you get one from a reputable website. There are also those which you may purchase, often with other useful tools. I personally managed to clean up my computer by downloading high quality registry cleaner software.