For anyone who owns a computer, especially a machine running Microsoft Windows, you know that getting online and “surfing” the Internet can be a risky proposition. Anytime you launch Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or any other web browser, you open yourself up to possible viruses, spyware, and other malicious exploits designed to reek havoc with your computer and operating system. Many people also use wireless routers to avoid having to run Ethernet cable. While this solution is convenient it can provide an easy way for unauthorized access to your system without your knowledge if you don’t take proper security precautions.

Below are my top ten Windows computer safety secrets you can use to help maintain a secure computing experience: Read the rest of this entry »

As many of you are already aware, the United States Internal Revenue Service is in the process of issuing millions of checks as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. These payments average $600 for individuals and $1,200 for those filing jointly. Anytime money is involved, it tends to bring out the criminal element ready to take advantage of unsuspecting citizens. The Economic Stimulus Act is no exception. Over the past several days, I have received dozens of official looking emails that appear to be from the Internal Revenue Service asking me to click on a link in order to expedite receiving my rebate. Below is a copy of the email I recently received: Read the rest of this entry »