Jim's Tips, Tricks & Software Picks:

Tip #1. Go to Windows Update and make sure your computer is up to date. Windows Update has all the latest patches for the Windows Operating System (98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, 2003), Internet Explorer, Office, Outlook, etc. There are "Critical" and "Recommended" updates. The Critical updates are very important to download. They patch security holes and known bugs that could leave your computer vulnerable. The Recommended updates are patches and programs that make Microsoft products run better or add functionality. Some of these can be ignored. The "Driver" updates are software for hardware installed, like your modem or video card. I recommend that you check with the manufacturer of these components for their drivers before downloading Microsoft's.

Tip #2.  Get your computer secured.  Below are several programs that I feel are "must have" on everyones computer.  Getting "infected" with spyware programs is a big problem that is affecting computer users today.  Spyware is a growing problem and I believe is now a bigger problem that virus's.

Tip #3. So, you've been getting a lot of junk e-mail a.k.a. "Spam" in your inbox!?!  One way to avoid this is to set up a web based e-mail account like Yahoo Mail or Hotmail.  Both offer free e-mail accounts that you can use whenever you need to give out an e-mail address to anyone other than family, friends, etc.  Use your primary e-mail for friends, family, work and use the web based one for everything else.  This will significantly reduce the spam you get.  As you may know I use the web based e-mail as my primary e-mail address.  They have built in spam filters which keep most of the junk out of your inbox. Also, if you change internet providers, you won't have to change you email address.

Tip #4. Consider switching your "Browser." If you're using Internet Explorer to surf the web, consider switching to FireFox
FireFox is an excellent alternative to IE because it is not vulnerable to malicious programs and web sites that exploit known problems specific to IE. If you're thinking "Another program that I have to learn how to use?" Don't worry. FireFox is very similar to IE in the way it looks and the way it works. It's (in my opinion) better. Check it out, it's worth trying, and the best part is that it's free.

Please e-mail me if you have any questions, but keep reading, you may have more than one question.    :)

Help me keep this web site and info/links online by using this Ebay link when you shop on Ebay

Some friends and family have asked what software I use. Here's links to some that I recommend.

Firewall software:  If you're using Windows XP then the firewall that is built in is adequate. To check and see if it's turned on and running, go to the "Start" button, the "Control Panel" and then "Security Center"  The firewall should be "On"

If you're using Windows 98 (or any other version of windows) then a firewall is a "must have." This one is free, but very effective. It's called  ZoneAlarm Without trying to scare you I would like to say that these days firewall software is a must on any computer.  It's not that the hackers are trying to steal your top secret information.  It's the robot programs that scan the web looking for vulnerable PC's to corrupt.  If you're not running a firewall and updated anti-virus software, you are at risk.

Anti-Virus software:.  Actually, anti-virus software is probably the most important to have running on your computer and the best part is this one is free from grisoft.com.  AVG is a much smaller and less obtrusive program than Norton or McAfee.  If you have either of those, I recommend uninstalling them and installing AVG.  Your computer will be quicker and less annoying. AVG (click the link to read more about it, then scrool down to "AVG Free for Windows installation files," click on and download the "AVG Free" file) or click HERE to download directly.

"Adware" and "Spyware:" For Windows XP users, Microsoft now has their own Defender anti-spyware program, also free. Spyware Blaster is like AntiSpyware, it blocks the adware from your computer in the first place. This too is a free download. This is for Windows 98 users (it works with Windows XP, but I recommend MS's AntiSpyware if you're using XP).

There are a couple of other programs that I recommend you download, update and run. The first one is called SpyBot Search&Destroy The second, which does the same thing, but covers others that spybot s&d doesn't is called Ad-Aware

"Spyware" are programs that can track what you do and where you go on the net.  While most of these are harmless many are not and cause problems with your internet or can slow down your computer.   If your computer is running slower than it used to, it's probabaly that you have spyware on your system. Spybot, Ad-Aware are also free downloads.   SpyBot & Ad-Aware are scanners while AntiSpyware & Spyware Blaster are blockers.  The scanners can only find what is already on your computer, while the blockers prevent it from getting on your computer in the first place.  While it may seem that the blocker is all you need, they are not perfect and it is recommended that you dowload both of the scanners as well.

Are you using Adsense? Are your ready to make more money? Click >HERE< to find out how.

TrojanScan is an "on-line" trojan scanner. "Trojans" or Trojan Horse programs comes from the mythology of the trojan horse.  These are malicious programs that are snuck into your computer disguised as a "friendly" program or game that is sent to you by a friend in an email or downloaded from the internet.   These programs actually give control of your compter to someone else out there on the internet.  The people using these programs often gain control of your computer to send spam (junk email) or porn.  Yes, your computer can be sending porn that is stored on your computer without you even knowing about it. So, go to TrojanScan and check out your computer. TrojanScan is also free.

So download, install, update, and run all these programs.  I know that it may take a while, especially if you're on dial up, but I feel it's important enough to do it.  I have these on disk, and would be glad to make you a copy or if you're local, I'd be happy to install them for you.  Just ask!!  I feel that strongly about these programs.

To keep your computer secure it is recommended that you check for updates and run these programs at least weekly, the jerks out there come out with new threats daily.

Are you wondering..."Is my computer secure?"  "Is my computer at risk?"  "How would I know?"  Well there is a way to find out.  Here is a web site that will test your computer to see if it is secure.  This is a free service and does not require you to give out any personal information, not even your e-mail address.  The web site is grc.com and the test is called "Shields Up."  Click Here to go there now. Scroll down to "Shields Up" Click on the link there and you will be taken to the Shields Up page, click on the "Proceed" button, you will see a pop up warning about encryption, it's ok, click "Continue" then click on the "All Service Ports" button. Your IP address will be displayed and the test will begin and "Test your shields and probe your ports."  It seems like a lot of steps and the test does take a minute but it really is quick & easy and nothing to download.  C'mon, go ahead, you know you're wondering if your secure.  It is important. If you don't "Pass" let me know and we'll fix it.

Please e-mail me if you have any questions.

Do you think you have anonymity while you're online? Think again...see images below...

Should you be concerned? Only if you don't care that the web sites that you visit can know some things about you.
Web surfer beware.

Pop-Up Blocker: Don't like those annoying "Pop-Up" windows that plague you when you're online? Download the Google Toolbar. It has the best pop-up blocker that I've come across, although both Internet Explorer and FireFox browsers are now blocking pop ups pretty well themselves. I've been using this toolbar for awhile and haven't seen a pop-up since. It also gives you easy access to one of the best search engines out there and has an auto form filler to help speed up things when you go to a website that has you fill in info., like your name, address, e-mail, etc. I personally don't use this feature and it can be turned off if you wish. The Google Toolbar is a free download. New versions of Internet Explorer and FireFox now have this feature built in thus, making the Google Toolbar obsolete.

Income tax software:  I use TaxAct  It's easy to use and it's inexpensive too. You can get the federal and state ultimate bundle for $19.95. This includes a free "e-file" option. This program will help take the pain out of doing your taxes.  I've been using this program for years and love it.  If you have any questions, just call or e-mail me.

Office Suite: Your computer probably came with Microsoft Works or some other office suite. You may have paid $150-200 to upgrade to Microsoft Office. I hope you're reading this before you have done that, because I have found a free office suite that is completely compatible with Microsoft's Office, including Word and Excel. It looks almost identical and is so similar that you will hardly notice the difference. It is called "OpenOffice." You can download it for free from here. Check it out. It wouldn't be on this page if I didn't think it was worth while. When you click on the link, you will be taken to their "please contribute" page. You can if you wish, but there is no obligation at all. All you have to do is click on their "continue to download" button, save the install file to your computer and then run it, following their instructions like any other installation of software. As always, if you have any questions call or e-mail me.

Below is a link to a web site called giveawayoftheday.com Everyday they offer for free software that otherwise is available for a price. I don't necessarily recommend these programs or claim to even have tried them myself, but I like this idea and believe that the software offered is safe. That said, try it if you like, but it is completely at you're own risk. They make them available for 24 hours, so if you see something that looks interesting, check it out and install it before the offer expires.

If you "Digg" the information/links I've provided above, feel free to Digg it.

home//pictures//tips,tricks,picks//e-mail me