Dok's Tips & Tricks

Dok’s Top 10

1. Create a Secure Environment for your Computer

There are multiple areas in a computer where you can set up, configure, and tighten the system security. In Windows, check the control center and make sure you have one (and only one) active, updated Antivirus program, a firewall, and Windows updates. In your browser, turn on pop-up blocking, enable enhanced security if this is an option, remove your cookies and temporary internet files on a regular basis, and configure your junk mail and spam filter.

2. Strong Passwords

It’s really easy to create a super secure password! Think of a short unique phrase that you can easily remember, use only the first letter of each word, add some punctuation, a capital letter and a number, and you’re all set! Keep your passwords safe and use different passwords for your accounts, especially bank passwords, shopping accounts, Paypal, etc.

3. There is No Such Thing as Too Many Backups

To minimize the possible loss of information due to infections or system crashes, you should make regular backups to an external hard drive or the Cloud. Some services, such as Google Drive, provide access to all previous versions of a text document. But be careful, if a new backup simply overwrites the old one, or just syncs it into the Cloud, you may have a problem if data was deleted accidentally, encrypted, or blocked by a virus. If you can recover a previous version of this file, you might minimize the loss. I highly recommend using backup software that archives dated backups automatically without overwriting. There’s nothing sadder than to receive a “lightning fried” computer with irreplaceable photographs and documents that were never backed up.

4. Be Savvy with Social Media

It’s convenient, fun, and business savvy to keep in touch and share content through Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Linkedin, Tumblr, Instagram, Flickr and other networking sites. But make sure you set privacy settings carefully to tighten security. Update them from time to time. Use different passwords for your accounts. If everything is linked, and one account becomes compromised, it’s like dominos. Be wary of clicking on games, ads, etc. that lead you outside the social media platform. Also be aware of lottery scams and hijackers (posing as someone you know!) who try to get information out of you.

5. Email Security and Phishing

Phishers use the internet to steal your personal information. They often target you through emails. Speaking of emails, be wary of clicking on an e-mail, even from your best friend, with no subject or an unlikely subject and with an attachment. Their account may have been compromised by a virus and it has spread to you through their contact list. Then it can go from your email contact list to the next set of victims, and so on. You can “train” your spam filter by sending unwanted or suspicious email senders to the spam or junk folder. If you just delete the annoying posts, they’ll keep coming back to haunt your in-box.

6. Beware of Scareware

If you see a sudden pop-up telling you that your activity has been reported to the FBI, don’t panic, don’t click, and don’t even think of paying. Any action on your part may lock your computer. The hackers that create these types of infections are just trying to infect or hold your computer ransom, and then scare you into divulging personal and financial information, or even into paying them an untraceable fee via cashier’s check. The worst type even encrypts your file! If you see a scary pop-up, it’s best to shut down your computer immediately and bring it to the Dok for a deep cleaning.

7. Employ Safe Browsers

Some browsers are better than others. Edge, Firefox, and Safari are very good. But I prefer Chrome. It is very fast, synced with Google, visually uncluttered, easy to use, offers an enhanced security option, and has many useful extensions. Tabs are separated, so an error in one doesn’t bring down the rest. By the way, when trying out new software, it’s best to use web browsers with sandboxing capabilities. A sandbox can contain malware and bad programs, which keeps them from entering your unit.

8. Safer Shopping

It is always better to use https:// websites; the “s” means that it is a secure site. Check certificates for trustworthy sites (your computer should warn you if a site is suspicious). Again, make sure you have strong, differentiated passwords! Paypal is safer, because you have more protection and you don’t have to give out your credit card numbers. And with paypal, it’s easier to get your get money back if you were taken in by a fraudulent seller. If they don’t accept paypal, pay with credit cards, not debit cards. They have more fraud protection.

9. Caution When Using Public-WIFI

The NSA advises you to “Exercise Caution when Accessing Public Hotspots.” When using public internet access, avoid any shopping, banking, etc. that requires personal, credit, or bank information. You never know who is spying on you.

10. Don’t Mix Business and Pleasure!

If users go to lots of social, gaming, “free” streaming portals, ads, inappropriate, or questionable sites, their devices are more likely to pick up damaging viruses and spyware. Wise users restrict personal use of their business units.

Published Articles

A Desktop for your Desktop

Apr 10, 2023

Do you really need a laptop? Published Warrenton Lifestyle, April 2023 edition In the last decades, laptops have taken over the market and have distinct advantages. But the old-fashioned desktop computer is still worth considering for some computing needs and is...

Tip from the Dok about Batteries

Mar 29, 2023

Two commonly held untruths about laptop batteries: 1) They last forever. No! With care, the original batteries can last from 3-5 years. Replacements rarely hold up longer than two years. 2) You should always leave them plugged in. No! This habit is a battery...

Laptops: Don’t put them on your lap!

Feb 4, 2023

To read the entire article, please click here.

Thankful for Technology

Nov 9, 2022

To read the entire article, please click here.

WWW = Wild West Web

Sep 12, 2022

Don’t be quick to click By Klaus Fuechsel Hardly a day goes by without checking in a hacked computer at our shop. Many of these clients say, “I don’t know how this could have happened.” It’s easy on the Wild West Web. All it takes is one click on a malicious...

Back to School Tips for your Computer by Jacob Eberly

Aug 15, 2022

Ah yes, every student’s favorite phrase. “Back to school time!” If it actually is your favorite phrase, I envy your enthusiasm. One of the things I do look forward to during the school year is using my computer. I find it very fun and satisfying to use such capable...

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The Dok says…

A Desktop for your Desktop

Apr 10, 2023

Tip from the Dok about Batteries

Mar 29, 2023

Laptops: Don’t put them on your lap!

Feb 4, 2023

To read the entire article, please click here.

« Older Entries

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Once in a while we get a computer in that would not turn on anymore. It turned out that windows did not wake up anymore from hibernation or sleep mode. That is why we recommend to disable hibernation and even sleep-mode.

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“Temperature! Iphone has to cool down before you can use it.” Ever get this alert? I did once, after leaving my cellphone in the car for just five minutes while shopping. Good thing, because I hadn’t thought of this. Notebooks lying in the front passenger seat will...

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