You are here: Home / Archives for Alternative Power

Power Your own Life

By Leave a Comment
Electric Grid

Image via Wikipedia

Power is a very important part of life. If you don’t have electricity, you can’t do a lot of very important tasks in business. If you can’t do those, you have real problems in this world. So you naturally want to keep the power on as much as you can, no matter how shoddy or unreliable the local infrastructure is.

Of course, with reliable power comes reliable business. However, not many people know more than the most basic parts of electricity and how to keep it running. So if you have the knowledge for that, you’ve always got options in electrical development, or at the very least a solid backup skill in case the infrastructure fails. Naturally, the social skills you learn in school are just as important as the technical skills, but online courses tend to either stress one or the other. There is a decided difference between relating well to a team a thousand miles apart and relating to people right next to you.

These more social skills are useful when the situation becomes dire, which is usually what occurs when the utilities everyone relies on begin to fail. Bad utilities tend to mean bad times, and it’s often a very short trip between flickerng lights and rioting on a massive scale. When you’re one of the people who can restore order, you have always got a place in modern society. If all else fails, you can be one of the people who keeps on working with your own power on your own property.

Filed Under: Alternative Power Tagged With: , ,

Buying And Installing Alternate Power Sources – Some Useful Tips

By Leave a Comment

Choosing alternative power sources for your computer is not a very difficult task. However, many persons end up spending valuable money only to get disappointed with their results.Keep the following factors in mind when you are purchasing and installing such powers solutions.Reputation matters. Trying to save a few dollars by going in for a less reputed device or one with a lower warranty does not make sense. The backup investment that you are making should be so strong that you can rely on it without any fears. If your computer restarts every single time there is a fluctuation in voltage despite the presence of a UPS, it is obvious that your investment has gone waste.If you are using certain devices along with your computer and if this is causing the device to reboot when there is fluctuation, you need to go in for more powerful UPS to solve this problem.Merely purchasing a good device is not going to suffice unless you install it properly. Installation means the power supply should be routed through the UPS. Many persons feel that it is just a question of plugging the UPS into the main power supply andplugging the computer into the UPS. Theoretically speaking, this should do the trick.However, there are instances where such a mechanism results in the UPS device never getting charged. Remember, you cannot afford to find all the flaws in installation process when you lose power. Rather, you should carry out backup checks to ensure the device is working properly at all times. If necessary, just carry out a dry run where you purposefully pull the plug on your computer to find out how the UPS reacts.

Filed Under: Alternative Power, Computers, Power Resource Tagged With: ,

Eliminating the threat of scareware by being informed about the threats

By Leave a Comment

You are surfing the Internet minding your own business when all of a sudden an online scanner starts telling you your computer has viruses and spy-ware. You start to panic and install the scanner to remove the threats. Unfortunately, scareware has just dubbed you and now all of your personal information is threatened.

Scareware, also known as rogue scanners and fraudware, is deceptive and malicious software advertised as an anti-virus scanner. Usually, scareware scanners appear in email scams such as in greeting cards or breaking news alerts, advertisements offering a free scanner, a fake blue screen of death, or the scanner acting as if it is your browser.

The problem with scareware is that it scares people into purchasing the scanner. By giving this program your credit card number or bankcard number, you are leaving your accounts open to abuse. Never give out your personal information to an Internet program that you do not trust. Scareware scanners are usually hard to remove from your screen when they appear because no matter how many times you click “no,” it still keeps scanning.

When scareware pops up, take a second, and breathe. Calming yourself down will help you make a smart decision on how to proceed. Do not fight the scanner’s pop up messages, instead click ctrl, alt, delete, and shut down the browser the scanner is in. If you have more than one tab open, you will lose them, but remember where you were and go back after you have ended the scanner.

After shutting down the browser, immediately run your anti-virus programs to make sure your computer was not exposed. You want to make sure your computer has not be tampered with and the best way to ensure that is to run your scanners. Let your scanners do their work and take a couple of hours to relax from the scare.

Filed Under: Alternative Power, Computers Tagged With: , ,

The Importance of Online Security Programs

By Leave a Comment

Internet theft is now the most common type of theft an individual is likely to experience. While this type of non-violent crime won’t put your life at risk, it can do everything from emptying your bank account or stealing your credit card numbers to highjacking your social security number.

Online security can help keep your information safe, and it is especially important if you provide any website with financial information. A good security program will protect you from viruses, worms, Trojans, malware, scareware, spyware, and other types of malicious codes created to steal your personal information.

When it comes to picking a security program, you have several options. Some of the more popular programs include the following:

  • Norton Antivirus: Norton offers a variety of security programs with varying levels of protection. You can compare the different versions to see which option would work best for your online activity.
  • McAfee: Many consider McAfee to be Norton’s number one competitor. It offers similar security options as Norton for your computer.
  • ClamWin: This is a free and open source program that offers virus protection. More than 600,000 people use it for computer security.

If you don’t want to use one of these three programs, you have several other choices. When you compare antivirus programs, you will want to keep a few things in mind.

  • Find out what types of malicious code the program can detect.
  • Research what operating system the security program needs to run.
  • See how often the company updates its programs. Hackers are constantly developing new malicious codes, so it is important to update programs frequently.

Online surfers should take other precautions as well.  They should make sure they are using safe, secure websites and companies and there are plenty of them out there whether it is an online casino or a retail shopping site.  But having a security program in place can provide an extra layer of security and protect your personal and financial information from people who would use it for malicious purposes. By installing an antivirus program on your computer, you can surf the Net, shop, share information and pay your bills online without fear of theft.

Filed Under: Alternative Power, Data Storage Tagged With: , ,

What to do if you have installed a scareware scanner?

By Leave a Comment

A scareware scanner frightens you into thinking your present antivirus software is not doing its job and the new scanner that just popped up can do a better job. The scanners usually ask for your personal information such as credit card numbers in order to give you the best service for your buck. If you have fallen prey to this type of scam, there are still ways to remove the threats the scareware scanner cause.

Uninstalling the scareware scanner is going to be difficult, but it is not impossible. You do not want to connect the scanner to the Internet. This opens up your computer to various threats. Instead, you will want to uninstall the scanner. You can do this by going to your start screen, clicking on Control Panel, and selecting the Add/Remove Programs. From there locate the scareware scanner and uninstall the scanner from your computer.

Many times just uninstalling the scareware scanner will not work. You will also need to run your anti-virus software already installed on your computer. If it cannot remove the scanner, use SmitFraudFix. This free anti-virus download searches for various scareware scanners and remove them. MalWare Bytes is another piece of software you can use to remove these types of scanners. Microsoft also provides a free scanner called Windows Life safety scanner that checks and removes viruses. It also removes programs from your hard drive taking up space and helps your computer work well. Either go to CNET.com or the original website to download or use these free scanners, you do not want to make the situation worse.

You will also want to keep an eye on any accounts you provided the software. Scareware scanners usually overcharge your card and continue charging. Make sure you alert your credit card company or bank so they can freeze your card. Scareware can be scary, but it does not have to stop you from knowing how to deal with it.

Filed Under: Alternative Power, Computers Tagged With: , ,

What scareware does to my computer if it is installed?

By Leave a Comment

A pop up scareware scanner has gotten the best of you. It has scared you into believing you need it to remove the hypothetical viruses and Trojans it fabricated. Many times, you may not even realize you have been had until you notice your computer is not the way it normally is. There are a number of things scareware does to your computer if it is installed.

The goal of the whole scareware scam is to lure you into purchasing the scanner. This will give the creators of the scareware scanner the access to the card you gave them to upgrade your service. They usually scare you into believing the antivirus program you have installed is not working. When the scanner pops up onto your screen, you will see that it has located spyware, virus, and Trojans your software missed.

When you have installed the software, it does several different things. First, it uses social engineering to discover your personal information. Social engineering is used by criminals to secretly put viruses on your computer whose purpose is to record your passwords, online banking information, and more.

Instead of removing threats, scareware scanners usually add threats to your computer. Malware can be installed to steal your data. It can also corrupt your files and change settings on your computer or Internet browsers.

One thing all scareware scanners have in common is that they will stop any defenses you have on your computer from working or updating. Your built in firewall that came with your computer may not be able to stay turned on, your anti-virus and anti-spyware software cannot update or open, and Windows will not be able to update any security settings. The last thing scareware wants to have happen is your computer stop it from working. There are ways to remove the threats, it just takes time and a little patience.

Filed Under: Alternative Power, Computers Tagged With: , ,

Determining which Internet browser is the safest to use

By Leave a Comment

People look for the best security options available to keep their computers and their personal information safe. One way to do that is to use a safe Internet browser but with so many choices out there, which should you depend on to protect your information.

From Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer 8, Google Chrome, Safari, to Opera, you have a wide variety of popular browser to use. The problem is determining which protects their users the best. Safari is heavily used by Mac users whose products seem invincible to virus and Trojan threats. For years, Firefox and Internet Explorer have been going head to head to win the safest browser award.

Which is better – Firefox or Internet Explorer? Let’s take a look at what each browser does to protect their users from threats.

Mozilla Firefox works around the clock to improve their browser before a problem arises. They want people to be protected and they remind their users to make sure they have the latest update from Firefox and the plugins. Plugins are smaller applications required by various websites to play games, watching their video content, and navigate around their websites. Plugins not updated pose a security threat and increase your online venerability. They also have a tool called Instant Web Site ID which you can use to make sure the website you are using is secure. To view a list of all of their protection features, visit http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/features/#security.

Internet Explorer has been working hard to keep up with Firefox and their effect is showing. They have been paying closer attention to protecting their users against Mal-ware and phishing. Mal-ware, software that steals your bank information and records your type patterns, is being conquered through SmartScreen filter first introduced in Internet Explorer 7. If the SmartScreen® filter picks up on Mal-ware, it warns you of the threat. To view a complete list of Internet Explorer’s protection, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/safer.aspx.

Filed Under: Alternative Power, Computers Tagged With: , ,

The 4 ideas to keep your computer functioning longer than normal

By Leave a Comment

When people buy computers or laptops, they expect to be able to get the most out of the product. Everyone wants to be able to be able to get the most out of their computers and here are four ideas you can take to guarantee your laptop will be around years from now.

First, shut down your laptop when you are not using it. Unlikely a computer, a laptop needs to be turned off when it is not in use. The laptop needs to be able to cool off so that it does not overheat and destroy important parts of the product. If you are ever having trouble with your laptop, one of the best things you can do is shut down the computer for a minute and let the laptop work out the problem.

Second, before you head out to study or to work on a business project at a coffee shop or take the laptop home for the day, make sure it is turned off completely before putting it into its traveling bag. If the laptop is still running when put in the bag, it can cause the laptop’s hardware to burn up. When it is put in a bag, the fabric keeps laptop’s fan from moving the heat around.

Third, unplug any accessories when you are not using them. This included thumb drives, coolers, a mouse, and anything else. Even if you are not using these product, they use energy from your laptop which can cause it to overheat.

Fourth, let your laptop breathe. You do not want your laptop to get extremely hot because of the damage it can cause to your computer. Even though it may be a hassle, prop your laptop up with objects that give the bottom of the laptop, where the fan is located, the ability to breath. These are essential tips in follow to keep your laptop in working order.

Filed Under: Alternative Power, Computers Tagged With: , ,

Four things to remember when using public Wi-Fi

By Leave a Comment

There are Wi-Fi hotspots everywhere these days. You can walk into a restaurant, school, home, work, and even a bathroom and be able to detect wireless from your laptop. Most of the free Wi-Fi networks are free to use and to make it easier for their customers or employees to use; many businesses do not secure their network leaving your laptop unprotected if you use it. Here are four things to remember when using public Wi-Fi that will keep your computer safe as you surf.

First, make sure your computer has a firewall installed, turned on, and working correctly. If your firewall is turned off, there is no stopping viruses, Trojans, and malware from easily making it’s way to your laptop and personal information. Most new computers come with a firewall installed.

Second, an unsecured wireless connection can make it easy for online criminals to take and use your personal information and files. Make it harder for people to see your files by encrypting them. To encrypt a file, right-click on your file, click Properties, click the General tab, click Advanced, and then select Encrypt contents to secure data. If you are unable to encrypt your files, it is because your computer system does not come with the ability to encrypt your files.

Third, do not use your bank account number and passwords when on a wireless network. If the network is not secured, anyone has access to what you type into the online banking site, online store, or when you log in into your e-mail. If you do type in your bank number, make sure the website has a padlock in the bottom right corner. The symbol means it is secure.

Fourth, if you are not using your wireless turn it off. Do not give people access to your information when you are only using a Word document. You can simply click the wireless button to turn it off.

Filed Under: Alternative Power, Computers Tagged With: , ,

Ways to reserve computer energy on your laptop

By Leave a Comment

Whether you are sitting in an airport terminal waiting to fly out to Boston or working on a paper at your local coffee shop, conserving energy for your computer is important. Overtime, laptop batteries lose their energy causing you to have to purchase a replacement battery. Here are some ways to conserve energy on your laptop to keep your battery working longer.

First, you need to understand that your display and hard drive are going to use more of your energy than any other part of your laptop. In order to control how much power these areas use, pick a power setting for your laptop that will work with your needs. Most laptops come with preset power plans.

Second, take advantage of the low-power sleep and hibernation. These settings use less power and are useful if you are trying to save battery energy but do not want to shut down your laptop every time you are not using it. The sleep setting turns off the display and hard drive but saves your open windows to your RAM. This helps you reboot quickly. The hibernation setting saves everything to your hard drive and shuts down your computer. When you reboot, everything is as you left it.

Third, adjust the brightness of your computer’s screen. This also uses energy resulting in more of your battery power being used. Every laptop is different so it may take a couple of minutes to look in your Control Panel to change the settings.

Fourth, turn off your wireless when you are not using it. If you are just typing on a Word document or playing a game, shutting off your wireless will help preserve your laptop’s energy. Also, limit the amount of programs running on the task bar where your start button is located. This uses energy when you may not need the programs.

Filed Under: Alternative Power
« Older Posts