Keeping your data safe is important, no matter whether you are a small business or a big enterprise.

 

By definition, encrypting your files ensures that only you and the intended receiver are able to read what has been sent to him or her. However, before you learn how to enable this feature, it’s important for you to create strong passwords or else it defeats the purpose of encryption in the first place.

 

So, here is how you can use Encryption in different ways so as to keep your data safe:

 

#1: Hard Drive

 

While you do have a login screen for your PC or laptop, a thief can easily access your data by opening your system and hooking it up to another computer. This is where Microsoft’s BitLocker comes in and all one has to do is go to Control Panel, System and Security and BitLocker Encryption and select the drive for the ‘Turn On Bitlocker Encryption’.

 

However, as an alternative, one can use DiskCryptor or TrueCrypt for full-disk encryption.

 

#2: External and Thumb Drives

 

For external and thumb drive, you’ll have to use the ‘BitLocker To Go’ option by going to the BitLocker Menu and selecting the “Turn On BitLocker” selection next to the USB or external drive.

 

#3: Internet Traffic

 

If you travel regularly and work while doing so, using an unsecured connection, it’s very easy for hackers to break into your system. For this, the best solution is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which creates a protected ‘tunnel’ to a third-party server. Since the data, which can be sensitive in nature, is encrypted, it is unreadable to the hacker even if intercepted.

Theres every chance that a Windows PC might slow down drastically even if it is working in prime condition when you first bought it.

 

Reason being: there are several ways by which junk can accumulate on your PC, and which has to be cleaned up from time to time in order to work at its very best.

 

So, here are 3 ways by which you can speed up your computer:

 

#1: Update your Computer Regularly

 

The vulnerability of Windows and its programs are well-known and documented these days, and it bodes well for Windows users to remain updated with the latest patches and security updates as well if they want their computer to run in optimum condition. This pertain also to antivirus as well as anti-malware utilities that you might have on your computer along with your browser plug-ins and other applications.

 

#2: Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

 

Another aspect to watch out for is the unnecessary addition of numerous programs to your computer. These programs can be added onto your system for a number of reasons and this includes either being negligent on the part of the user, clicking OK to a dialog box that offers programs or even because of unpatched loopholes in the operating system as well as commonly used applications. Alternatively, if left ignored, these programs will clutter your computer but also use precious system resources.

 

#3: Remove unnecessary Startup Programs

 

This is probably one of the best ways to speed up the overall performance of your computer and one can use CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) so as to remove unnecessary programs that run at startup. If you disable these programs from startup, you will free up system resources for tasks that are more important to you.

If there’s anything that’s true about power supply units (PSUs), it is that most people don’t give much thought to purchasing one that works best for their system.

 

It’s a travesty considering how important these power supply units are to a system’s stability and long-term use.

 

While there are several factors that have to be taken into consideration when it comes to PSUs, here are 3 factors that will help you pick the best power supply units:

 

#1: Output

 

Simply put, a PSU with higher wattage can supply more power, and should be a factor that you take into consideration. While most desktop power supplies have a power output rating ranging from 200 to 1800 watts. So, focus on picking a PSU not for its pea power but based on the number for continuous or sustained power.

 

#2: Efficiency

 

Taking a PSU’s efficiency ratings into consideration is important because it not only has better components but more importantly, wastes less power and generates less heat. For example, if the efficiency rating of any power supply unit is 80 %, it means that the unit will supply 80% of its rated wattage and lose 20% to heat.

 

#3: Single or Multi Rail

 

While there is a good reason to use either type of PSU as they are both safe and work equally well. In other words, there is very little between the two when it comes to if one compared both their advantages or disadvantages. However, if you are building a powerful system, then a multi-rail system works best in providing an extra layer of safety.

Despite the fact that Windows’ still continues to enjoy the lion’s share of the operating system market, the truth is that it experiences something that Linux systems never do – crashes. Yet it’s not all bad news, thanks to the creation of ‘crash dump files’ which saves your information before the crash occurs – an excellent tool to use if you want to troubleshoot the error. So, here are steps that will show you how to use dump files as you work towards a solution:

#1: How to Set Up a Dump File
Follow the path: Start > Settings > Control Panel > System. Once this is done, select the ‘Advanced’ tab and ‘Settings’ which is under the ‘Startup and Recovery’ header. Finally, look for the list titled ‘Write debugging information’ and pick the small memory option.

#2: Using the Dump Check Utility For this, you will have to first insert the Windows CD-ROM and open the Support/ Tools folder.
Once you do this, run the Setup.exe file to install the content of the folder. Now, open the Dumpchk.exe and scan the options for reading and downloading the file some of which include extra file validation, dump exam, dump validation, image search for the dump exam and symbol search for the dump exam.
Now, run the scan and read the output and what you will obtain a report of all the errors that Dumpchk.exe has found.

#3: Debugging the Dump File
The first step is to download the Windows debugging files from their website and install it on your computer. Now open the dump file by selecting ‘Start’ and then ‘Run’. Now type the string ‘cmd’ and ‘OK’. After this, type ‘cd c:\program files\debugging tools for
windows’ and hit Enter to open the folder. Now load the dump file by typing ‘windbg -y SymbolPath -i ImagePath -z DumpFilePath’. Finally,

in order to open the dump within the debugging software, type ‘kd -y srv*c:\symbols*http://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols -i c:\windows\i386 -z c:\windows\minidump\minidump.dmp’.

One of the most common reasons for computer failure is due to the accumulation of dust around its components and fans. Hence, it is a good idea to carry out maintenance every three months in order to clean the PC as well. On the other hand, the presence of malicious programs on your computer as well as the space remaining can also affect its performance.
So, here is a list of steps that one can follow in order to keep their PC in mint condition:

#1: Windows Disk Cleanup can help you remove ‘junk’ files
The more free space you have on your drives, the better your PC performs. Using the Windows Disk Cleanup will result in cleaning up the drive which contain unnecessary files and which may not be in use either.

#2: Install an anti-virus security application
Even though most manufacturers include an anti-virus with your system when you buy it at first, it’s a good idea to use it regularly. One way to do this is by setting it up to run everyday at a certain time or when the computer starts. If you don’t have an anti-virus, you can easily buy one over the internet.

#3: Download the latest software and driver updates This is another simple task that one must carry out regularly, and most of these drivers or software updates can be obtained from the manufacturer’s website. There are options in Windows to check for these updates.

#4: Cleaning your Computer
While there are several help files and instructions which you can use to clean your computer, it’s advisable that you hire the services of a professional especially if you’re not an advanced user.

Companies that have fleets of commercial vehicles such as those in the trucking industry and car rental industry use commercial fleet tracking to keep track of their vehicles. Tracking systems enable companies to be able to locate where there vehicles are at any given time. Car rental companies that use tracking systems know where their rented vehicles are at all times while their customers have them. Trucking companies that use tracking systems know where their trucks are all the time while they are out making deliveries within city limits or out on the open road. When companies keep track of their fleets they can reduce the risk of their vehicles being stolen and ensure that their employees are doing their jobs and not taking care of personal business during working hours.

Tracking systems are used for many different reasons and used by companies, government agencies, the military and many other organizations. Many companies in the private sector can actually ensure the safety of their employees by keeping track of the vehicles they are driving. If during business hours they find one of their vehicles at an unauthorized location they can check with the employee to make sure they are safe.

There are many different types of vehicle tracking systems such as lo jacks and GPS. Tracking systems can identify the vehicle down to the VIN number and license plate. A GPS tracking device uses satellite signals making it a more accurate tracking device. If you need a tracking system check out gpstrackit.com and browses their extensive inventory of tracking systems.

Your CPU’s speed plays a large role in how you will carry out tasks and it’s always a good idea to know what its speed is as it indicates what kind of tasks can be carried out quickly as well. So, here are a few steps, depending on the operating system you use, that one can follow so as to determine your CPU’s speed:

#1: Windows XP
For Windows XP, the steps include: Right-click on the icon ‘My Computer’ and find ‘Properties’ in the menu that appears. By default, the ‘General’ tab is displayed. You will find the processor speed as well as the amount of RAM on your system. You can also find the CPU speed by using the Help & Support Center. For this, you have to select ‘Help and Support’, ‘What’s New in Windows XP’, Tools and Advanced System Information. Afterthis, select ‘View Detailed System Information’ and you will find the CPU speed shown as well.

#2: Windows Vista & 7
For Windows 7 & Vista, all you have to do is select the ‘Start’ button and the ‘Control Panel’ icon. After this, select the ‘System and Maintenance’ icon and you will find the type of processor you have and its speed. In fact, it also tells you how many processors you have if you do have a few.

#3: Mac
For the Mac, select the Apple Menu as well as the option ‘About this Mac’ to find the CPU speed displayed. Another way to do this is to use the shortcut key which includes the Command + Space bar and which will open the Spotlight search field. Key in Activity Monitor and hit Enter. At the bottom of the Activity Monitor, select the tab which reads ‘CPU’. This will also give you the information about
your CPU’s speed.

Any firm or organization that likes to leave its mark on any Word document, in particular, usually uses a background known as the ‘watermark’.

However, this doesn’t require any additional software to insert in any document for that matter. In just following simple steps, you can easily ‘stamp’ your documents with a unique watermark of your own.

Since Microsoft Word has more than one version, let’s look at the steps for Microsoft Word 2007 and 2002/2003.

Microsoft 2007

First, go to the Page Layout tab, and in the group titled ‘Page Background’, you’ll find ‘Watermark’ where all you have to do is select the option. Next, you can choose to either select a pre-designed or a custom watermark. There are a couple of watermarks already available such as Urgent, Do not copy or Confidential which one can pick.

Alternatively, you can select ‘Custom Watermark’ and choose to either create your own text or picture watermark by picking from the dropdown box for the test watermark or even upload a picture from your computer for the picture watermark option. Remember to his ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ if you are done with the Custom Watermark option.

Also remember that you can only view the watermark in the ‘Printed Layout’ view in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft 2002/03

For this version of Microsoft Word, one must go to the ‘Format Menu’ and then select ‘Printed Watermark’ and then, ‘Text Watermark’.

In the text box, enter the text you want to appear as the watermark, pick a font, size, color and layout as well as check the semitransparent check box. Click OK and you are done.

With GPS tracking capabilities becoming standard in many products today (especially mobile phones) it is all too easy to become confused about what products are exactly on the market today and which may be the right choice for you. This can be especially important for companies utilizing commercial fleets as having the right GPS tracking system installed in their vehicles can mean the difference between regularly having useful and valuable data pertinent to their business and having no worthwhile data at all.

Contrary to most GPS devices located in many personal electronics today, specialized GPS trackers designed for vehicle use can provide business owners with regular real-time updates on all of their vehicles at all times. When coupled with a specialized computer program designed to collect, process and analyze this data this can allow companies to more effectively optimize their overall performance and profitability.

When looking to install a vehicle tracking GPS system into one of your vehicles consider carefully what your exact needs are prior to choosing which product you will purchase. Websites such as gpstrackit.com, for instance, can offer a range of different products to choose from, with other companies such as ProMiles offering much more specialized tracking solutions. Just as each company is different so are the needs they have to meet with their tracking solutions, and finding the right balance between functionality and price to match your particular business is the key to success. As always, don’t be afraid to shop around before making a final decision on which product to go for.